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WITH NO World Championship titles yet under her belt, Jamaica’s sprint sensation Elaine Thompson Herah has been working assiduously this season with the chance of a gold medal in Eugene, Oregon, beckoning.
Thompson Herah, the 2020 double Olympic sprint champion, opened her outdoor season with 56.72 seconds to finish third in the women’s 400m at the John Wolmer Speedfest at the National Stadium yesterday.
The race was won by World Championships 400m hurdles bronze medallist Rushell Clayton in 54.41s, while The Queen’s School’s Gabrielle Matthews was second in 56.42s.
MENTALLY FOCUSED
Elaine Thompson-Herah, the second fastest woman of all-time with 10.54 seconds in the 100 metre, told The Gleaner she was determined and mentally focused on capturing her first world title in Eugene this year.
“It (preparation) is going really good because I am training super hard as you have to put in the work to get the results that you want,” said Thompson Herah.
“I am looking forward to this World Championships in Eugene and everybody is looking forward to that because it is closer to home,” she said.
“I have no titles there, so my focus is to earn a title there this year and so I am just happy to continue the season outdoors and just stay healthy and fit throughout the season,” Thompson Herah said.
The 29-year-old Thompson Herah, who has a personal best time of 21.53 in the 200m, was pleased with the performance in her first outdoor race of the season.
“To be honest, this is the hardest 56 seconds that I have ever run over the 400 metres,” she said.
“I came out with intention because I really wanted a PB (personal best) today (Saturday) but nevertheless I accepted the time, you know I am healthy and I am good,” Thompson Herah said.
“I am pleased to get the cobweb off outdoors but this is not one of my main events and so it is like a preseason workout outdoors. But I am really happy for the results,” she said.
Meanwhile, former world 100-metre champion Yohan Blake opened his season with a 20.96s clocking to win heat four of the men’s 200m. Blake’s time was third overall behind Nigel Ellis, who won heat three in 20.43s, and Kadrian Goldonson, 20.74s.
robert.bailey@gleanerjm.com
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