Elaine Thompson-Herah names new coach after recent split with former trainer

MIAMI – Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who will be trying for a third consecutive 100-200m sprint gold double at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will train under coach Reynaldo Walcott, her agent said on Nov 20.

Andi Sports Management, in an Instagram posting, said the 31-year-old Jamaican sprint star will join Elite Performance Track Club and train under Walcott as does Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a 10-time world champion and 100m champion at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

“Out of difficulties grow miracles. Happy Monday,” Thompson-Herah posted on social media.

She had split from her former coach Shanikie Osbourne earlier in November, with Andi Sports Management saying that the separation resulted from a “breakdown in negotiations on a compensation package” sought by Osbourne.

“Amidst this transition, Mrs Thompson-Herah remains as dedicated as ever to her craft, demonstrating an unequivocal focus on the path ahead,” the statement from her agent said.

“Her commitment to excellence is unwavering, and she is resolute in her pursuit of defending the double Olympic titles she so triumphantly earned.”

Thompson-Herah is also appreciative of the support she has received.

The statement added: “In expressing her gratitude, Mrs Thompson-Herah extends heartfelt thanks to her fans and well-wishers for the overwhelming love and support they have showered upon her during this transitional period.

“The outpouring of encouragement has been a source of inspiration for Thompson-Herah, reinforcing the profound connection she has with her global fan base.”

Thompson-Herah won the women’s 100 and 200m at the 2016 Rio Olympics and took titles in the two events again at Tokyo, as well as helping the 4x100m relay team to gold with Fraser-Pryce among her teammates.

Fraser-Pryce, who has been training under Walcott since the 2020 season, settled for 100m silver behind Thompson-Herah at Tokyo.

The two sprinters have seemingly maintained a consistently frosty relationship.

In Paris in 2024, one of them could become the first women to win an Olympic 100m gold three times.

Jamaica would then also be the first nation to win five consecutive Olympic women’s 100m titles. REUTERS, AFP