Elaine Thompson-Herah won’t defend 200m Title at Paris 2024 Olympics

Jamaican sprinting sensation Elaine Thompson-Herah will not defend her women’s 200m title at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. Instead, the two-time Olympic champion will focus solely on the 100m event at the Jamaican Track and Field Olympic Trials, taking place from June 27 to June 30.

Thompson-Herah, the second-fastest sprinter in the 200m behind Shericka Jackson, won her first 200m gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with a time of 21.78 seconds. She successfully defended her title at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, clocking an impressive 21.53 seconds. However, her dream of a third consecutive gold medal in the 200m has come to an end.

Thompson-Herah, currently the fastest woman alive in the 100m, has had a challenging year. She participated in two 100m races in 2024—the Prefontaine Classic and the USATF New York City Grand Prix—finishing ninth in both. Additionally, she sustained an Achilles injury during her appearance at the NYC Grand Prix, which required her to be carried off the track.

As she prepares for the upcoming trials and the possibility of competing in the 100m at the Paris Olympics, fans and supporters will be watching closely to see if she can overcome her recent setbacks and reclaim her status as one of the world’s top sprinters.