RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, CMC – Elaine Thompson became only the second Jamaican women’s Olympic 100 metres title-holder when she stunned her training partner and two-time defending champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, to win gold in the event at the Rio Olympics here Saturday night.
Running out of lane four, the 24 year old produced a telling mid-race burst to brush aside her competition and ease to the finish in 10.71 seconds at the Olympic Stadium, and secure the first major title of her career.
American Tori Bowie clocked 10.83 seconds to steal silver while Fraser-Pryce finished a disappointing third in 10.86 seconds, to miss out on her quest to become the first ever woman to win a hat trick of Olympic 100m titles.
“I am very excited, I’m very happy because Jamaica has so many talented sprinters and to be the second champion, as long as it remains Jamaica I am very happy,” Thompson said afterward.
“Last year was a big motivation for me so coming in this year was awesome. I just put in the work and train hard.” Thompson, the silver medallist at the 2015 World Championships, had an outstanding 2016 season coming into the Rio Olympic Games.
Only last month, she sped to an exciting 10.70 clocking to clinch the national title at the Jamaica trials in Kingston. “I’m from a community that is not well known. So I’m happy to represent them. I’m really proud. They’re down there and they’re celebrating.”
Fraser-Pryce entered the race as one of the heavy favourites, especially after posting 10.88 seconds in a comfortable semi-final win just over an hour earlier.
But she had been plagued by a toe injury all season long and struggled in competition in the lead-up to the Games. And with the injury resurfacing during the rounds, the champion in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 was unable to cope with Thompson’s speed.
“I didn’t think I would have been here because it was a tough journey and it continues to be a very hard journey,” Fraser-Pryce said.
“It’s so complicated to explain what’s actually happening with my toe, because I actually have Sesamoiditis and because I’ve been running a lot there are so many things that developed. I try not to dwell on it or talk about it.”
Sesamoiditis is the inflammation of tendons in the foot and is common among runners.
Fraser-Pryce looked to be in contention early on running out of lane six but Thompson’s acceleration and that of Bowie’s proved too much for her, and she was forced to narrow edge out Marie-Josee Ta Lou of the Cote d’Ivoire with both athletes clocking the same time.
The 29-year-old said her earlier semi-final win had exacerbated the injury but despite the loss, was still happy to reach the podium. “After the semi-finals it was really bad. It was really bad but I just tried mentally to block it out and just to come here and enjoy it,” Fraser-Pryce said.
“I’ve always been an advocate of God’s will and this was his will tonight and I’m really happy about it.” Thompson was quick to praise Fraser-Pryce, pointing out that the year had been a difficult one for her.
“I’m excited, I’m happy and I’m really happy for her. It’s been a rough season for her,” Thompson said. “She’s also my training partner and a motivation to me … and for us to come out here tonight and dominate is amazing.”
Michelle-Lee Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago held the sixth position in 10.92 while Christania Williams of Jamaica finished last in 11.80. Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers, one of the favourites heading into the event, could only muster fifth place in 10.90 seconds.