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Kishane Thompson has emerged sort of 'out of nowhere' this year, narrowly missing on the 100 meter gold to Noah Lyles, which has seen Michael Johnson describe him as 'a mystery man'
Jamaican sprinting sensation Kishane Thompson has been a revelation in the 2023-2024 athletics season, solidifying his place among the world's elite. However, his rise has sparked contrasting opinions, most notably between legendary sprinter Michael Johnson and Thompson's coach, Paul Francis.
The 23-year-old Thompson narrowly missed out on Olympic gold, clocking 9.79 seconds to secure silver behind Noah Lyles.
His time tied him with Lyles in one of the most competitive finishes in recent memory. Earlier in the season, Thompson made headlines with a blistering 9.77 seconds, the fastest time of the year, while also claiming the Jamaican 100m title. His performances have reignited hopes of a Jamaican resurgence in men's sprinting.
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15:01 - 21.11.2024
'We sharpen what needs sharpening!' - Kishane Thompson responds to Stephen Francis' critique on what cost him Olympic gold to Noah Lyles
Kishane Thompson responds to his coach Stephen Francis' blunt criticism over the major factor that cost him gold to Noah Lyles at the Paris Olympic games.
However, he has seldom competed at a high level due to injury set backs, and the Jamaican trials were his real season openers. He has also only ever raced in three Diamond League events.
Speaking on the Netflix documentary series Sprint, Johnson shared his thoughts on Thompson’s rise, describing him as somewhat enigmatic:
“People are saying he has come out of nowhere. He has not come out of nowhere. He has run fast times before but he just runs very sparingly.
“This year, he is being introduced to the world, but Kishane is the mystery man. He is not out there much. I haven’t met him and I do not know anyone who has.”
Johnson’s comments alluded to Thompson’s reserved nature and limited public appearances, which stand in contrast to the flamboyant personas often associated with sprint stars.
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08:37 - 21.11.2024
Noah Lyles puts Kishane Thompson, Letsile Tebogo & Co on notice with ambitious targets for 2025
American spring king Noah Lyles has expressed his desire to claim further world titles next year in what is a warning to his rivals such as Letsile Tebogo and Kishane Thompson.
Paul Francis: "He’s Not Elusive"
Thompson's coach, Paul Francis, disagreed with Johnson's assessment, attributing the athlete’s previous lack of visibility to a string of injuries that hampered his early career:
“Kishane has been with us for four years. He has had a plethora of injuries which he needed rehab and strengthening to become competitive. He has worked fastidiously and I have watched him evolve into a special youngster.”
Francis dismissed the notion of Thompson being difficult to know or connect with:
“I would not say Kishane is elusive. I would say people who complain of things being elusive generally just do not look in the right direction. Kishane is over six feet tall and is an imposing fellow. He is very, very easy to find.”
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19:30 - 14.08.2024
REVEALED:The worrying reason Kishane Thompson nearly pulled out of running the Olympic 100m final moments after dominating semis
Thompson's coach Paul Francis has made a worrying revelation on his protege, revealing why he nearly pulled out of the final which he eventually won the silver.
True to his introverted personality, Thompson acknowledged the attention his performances have brought but maintained his preference for staying low-key:
“Honestly, to be noticed a lot—I expected it, but I’m not really an outspoken person or one to be seen. I’m a really reserved and chilled person, but I understand it.”
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