Kishane Thompson: 5 lessons from Paris Olympics despite skipping Silesia & Rome Diamond League meets

Kishane Thompson: 5 lessons from Paris Olympics despite skipping Silesia & Rome Diamond League meets

Mark Kinyanjui 06:00 - 30.08.2024

Kishane Thompson reveals the five things he learnt from his silver medal performance in the 100m of the Paris 2024 Olympic games despite withdrawing from the last two Diamond League meets.

Kishane Thompson left the Paris 2024 Olympics with a silver medal in the men’s 100m final. Although the achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, Thompson walked away with more than just a medal; he gained crucial insights that will shape his future in the sport.

In the immediate aftermath of the race, Thompson was candid about the experience, acknowledging the value of competing alongside elite athletes. "I gained a lot of experience running with all these great competitors," he told Relevo.

Thompson shared as he reflected on his narrow defeat, finishing just 0.005 seconds behind Noah Lyles. The Jamaican sprinter admitted that while he made mistakes, he now knows what areas need improvement.

Despite battling a hamstring issue that flared up during the final, Thompson managed to clinch silver. However, this injury continued to plague him, leading to his withdrawal from both the Silesia and Rome Diamond League meetings.

 These withdrawals, though disappointing, underscore the importance of managing his physical condition carefully as he progresses in his career.

Thompson’s Olympic appearance marked his debut at a major senior global championship, as he had no prior experience at the World Championships level. His journey to the Olympics was marked by a series of injuries that limited his participation in only three Diamond League events the previous year.

 He finished fifth in Monaco, second in Xiamen, and fourth in the Final at Eugene, Oregon. His only senior international victory came earlier this year at the Gyulai István Memorial Continental Tour Gold meet, where he defeated Tebogo.

Reflecting on his Olympic journey, Thompson emphasized the need for greater patience, especially given the hurdles he faced. "The first thing I've learned after going through something like this is I have to be more patient with myself," he told Spain’s Relevo in the days following the race.

Thompson also highlighted the complexity of the race’s final moments, noting that the last part of the race requires the utmost precision and focus.

 "The second thing is I need to understand that the last part of the race is the most complicated," he said, adding that when faced with a close finish, it’s crucial to "big up myself even more."

The young sprinter admitted that he didn’t fully trust his speed and abilities in the critical moments of the race. "I didn't trust myself enough, and my speed, to bring me to the line in the right position I needed to be," Thompson confessed.

 His nerves, a mix of excitement and anticipation, played a role in his performance. "I was excited-nervous. Not nervous in the sense I couldn't control myself. I was nervous and excited to go. But I should've been more focused and patient with myself."

Kishane Thompson’s silver medal in Paris is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. His reflections reveal a young athlete who is keen to learn from his experiences, adapt, and come back stronger.

Tags: