Olympic Champion opens up about injury struggles ahead of Paris games
Reigning Olympic champion in both the 100 meters and 200 meters, Elaine Thompson-Herah is gearing up for another historic run at the upcoming Paris Games.
In an exclusive interview with Athletics Weekly, she opened up about her struggles with injuries over the past two years and her determination to chase her dreams in Paris.
Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Thompson-Herah remains optimistic about her preparations for the Olympics. She emphasized the challenges of adjusting to a new coaching setup but expressed satisfaction with her progress so far. With a focus on improving her speed, she aims to surpass her previous achievements and set new records on the track.
“Training is going good so far, you know the work is never easy it’s always hard,” she said. “It’s an Olympic year, you have to put in that work, and the new setup is going good so far. I’m getting accustomed to being with a new coach and getting instructions, and follow them, but everything is going good so far, I can’t complain.”
Reflecting on her recent absence from major competitions, Thompson-Herah acknowledged the difficulty of watching from the sidelines while others competed. However, she emphasised the importance of patience and humility in overcoming setbacks, believing that her comeback will be even stronger.
“If you want to be great you have to make tweaks and adjustments and I’m doing that. I like my career to be better each time I go, you know to improve and to work towards my dreams and my goals.”
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Thompson-Herah maintains a balanced outlook, neither underestimating the challenges nor overwhelming herself with pressure. She approaches each race with a determined mindset, aiming to let her performance speak for itself and make history by achieving a rare three-peat of double sprint titles.
As she prepares to make her season debut, Thompson-Herah is focused on delivering strong performances to prove her readiness for the Olympic stage once again. With determination and resilience, she aims to defend her titles and leave a lasting mark on the track in Paris.
