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Kishane Thompson has revealed on the struggles he had to overcome before taking the World by suprise in the 100m of the Jamaican Olympic trials
In a stunning turn of events, Kishane Thompson, a relatively unknown sprinter, has taken the track and field world by storm. The 22-year-old delivered an extraordinary performance at the Jamaican Olympic trials last weekend, clocking the ninth-fastest 100m time in history.
Thompson's remarkable 9.77-second run in just his second season as a professional has propelled him to become the fourth-fastest runner in Jamaica's history.
Thompson's journey to the top has been far from smooth. He made a significant impression last summer at Jamaica's national championships, recording a time of 9.91 seconds in the 100m heats.
However, his career has been marred by injuries, which prevented him from racing until the recent trials. A quad injury in January and a persistent shin problem threatened to derail his dreams of becoming an elite sprinter. Despite these setbacks, Thompson's determination never wavered.
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"I did not think about doing something else. I understood that I had so much potential, but it was difficult to manifest. The more I tried, the more I got held back, which drove me to work even harder," Thompson shared in a recent interview with Nationwide 90 FM.
His relentless work ethic and resilience have paid off, allowing him to overcome his physical challenges and emerge stronger.
Thompson's explosive speed was on full display at the trials. He posted an impressive time of 9.82 seconds in his opening heat on Thursday night, marking his first competition since November 2023.
In the finals, he outran Oblique Seville, a Tokyo Olympics semi-finalist, who had recently defeated USA contender Noah Lyles. Thompson's victory has solidified his status as a rising star in Jamaican athletics, placing him behind only Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Asafa Powell in the national record books.
![[WATCH] Letsile Tebogo’s hilarious reaction to ‘crazy times’ posted by Ferdinand Omanyala, Kishane Thompson and Co](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/16042024/9cf90241-2d7b-4848-9d6d-f4329f32904b.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
20:00 - 03.07.2024
[WATCH] Letsile Tebogo’s hilarious reaction to ‘crazy times’ posted by Ferdinand Omanyala, Kishane Thompson and Co
Botswana sprinter Letsile Tebogo has responded to the impressive times posted by his track rivals such as Ferdinand Omanyala, Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles in recent races.
Remarkably, Thompson revealed that he was not aiming for the win, as he had been instructed by his coach, Steven Francis, to slow down after the 60-meter mark.
"I was not going for the win. I was just following orders, so when I was approaching the line, I saw the excitement building and the camera and TV guys coming towards me, so I said, ‘I cannot deal with me at this moment,’" he explained.
Thompson's unexpected triumph left him overwhelmed, prompting him to quickly retreat from the media frenzy.
Thompson's sensational performance has catapulted him to internet stardom in Jamaica, dramatically altering his daily life.
"I can’t go anywhere without being seen now. I have had to deal with so many questions and interviews," he said. Despite the sudden fame, Thompson remains grounded and focused on his primary goal: excelling on the track.
When asked about the potential financial windfall from endorsement deals, Thompson maintained his humility. "I am prepared in terms of, I do not think about it and let it overwhelm me. My main aim is the track," he stated.
As Thompson prepares for the upcoming competitions, the world will be watching to see if he can replicate his extraordinary feat on the global stage. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication, inspiring aspiring athletes everywhere.
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