Elaine Thompson-Herah cemented her status as one of the greatest sprinters, becoming the second-fastest woman in history by defending her Olympic 100m title at the Tokyo 2020 Games on July 31, 2021.
The 29-year-old Jamaican clocked 10.61 seconds, setting a new Olympic record and finishing just 0.12 seconds shy of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 1988 world record of 10.49.
Thompson-Herah outran compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.74) and Shericka Jackson (10.76), securing a Jamaican podium sweep in the women’s 100m.
Overcoming Challenges
Thompson-Herah’s victory was a triumph over adversity, as she battled recurring injuries. “I have been struggling with my injury back and forth,” she told BBC Sport post-race. “I see all the bad comments. I take all of my losses, all of my defeats and I use them as my motivation.”
Her resilience shone through, building on her 2016 Rio double (100m and 200m golds) and marking her as the first woman to defend the 100m title since Gail Devers in 1996.
Jamaican Dominance
The Jamaican trio’s performance underscored the nation’s sprinting prowess, with Fraser-Pryce, a two-time Olympic 100m champion, and Jackson, a rising star, completing the sweep. Jamaica’s track success, a cultural cornerstone, mirrors the global rise of Afrobeats and Nollywood, contributing to the Caribbean nation’s $1 billion sports industry in 2021.
The sweep came amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed the Games and limited spectators, yet Jamaica’s athletes thrived under pressure.
British Struggles
Great Britain’s Daryll Neita finished eighth in 11.12 seconds, while teammate Dina Asher-Smith, a medal hopeful, withdrew from the 200m after failing to reach the 100m final due to a hamstring injury sustained earlier in July.
Neita’s effort, though not medaled, marked her presence in a fiercely competitive field, with posts on X in 2021 praising her potential despite Jamaica’s dominance.
Global Context
Thompson-Herah’s record-breaking run occurred as the world grappled with over 198 million Covid-19 cases, impacting events like the Tokyo Olympics, where strict protocols were enforced.
Her time of 10.61 ranks her among sprinting legends, and with Griffith-Joyner’s record in sight, she remains a favorite for the 200m and 4x100m relay, further solidifying Jamaica’s track legacy.
