Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah has made a coaching change in preparation for her defence of sprint titles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Thompson-Herah recently parted ways with coach Shanikie Osbourne, citing the coach’s “extremely excessive” terms, according to her management team.
Thompson-Herah, who secured gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will now be under the guidance of Reynaldo Walcott. Walcott has been the coach of fellow Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce since 2020. At 31, Thompson-Herah is the second-fastest woman in history over 100m and achieved a historic golden treble in Tokyo after winning the same events at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Thompson-Herah faced challenges in the 2022 season, missing the World Championships in Budapest due to injuries despite her dominance in women’s sprinting at the past two Olympic Games.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a five-time world 100m champion, won the Olympic 100m title at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. While part of Jamaica’s successful 4x100m relay team in Tokyo, Fraser-Pryce secured a silver medal in the 100m, finishing behind Thompson-Herah.
Thompson-Herah took to X to share her perspective, posting, “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” Her management team affirmed her dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence, stating, “Thompson-Herah remains as dedicated as ever to her craft, demonstrating an unequivocal focus on the path ahead. Her commitment to excellence is unwavering, and she is resolute in her pursuit of defending the double Olympic titles she so triumphantly earned.”
By BBC Sports
