WALNUT, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 20: Rhasidat Adeleke, Julien Alfred and Dina Asher-Smith compete in the women’s 200 meter dash during the Mt SAC Relays at Hilmer Lodge Stadium on April 20, 2024 in Walnut, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 02: Gold medalist Julien Alfred of Team Saint Lucia poses for a photo after winning the Women’s 60 Metres Final on Day Two of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 at Emirates Arena on March 02, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched. If it is not broken, don’t pretend to fix it. The triple double at Olympics 2024 was in trouble after the coaching debacle with Shanikie Osbourne. The Fat lady has sung and Elaine Thompson Herah has withdrawn from Jamaica National Trials.
If Elaine Thompson – Herah fails at the Jamaican National trials including not Registered, what’s the worst that could happen. The worst is ETH gets eliminated before the heats in Paris. One question that most Fans have of Elaine Thompson – Herah is why she waited so long to address the injury. Secondly, since she has not entered her name in 200m at the Jamaican trials, was it her intention not to run the Double in Paris. Ardent fans would not be interested in seeing her compete in just the 100m. The Shanikie Osborne debacle, the Athlete not addressing the ankle injury on time, and overall appearing not to be mentally prepared for the 2024 season could blemish the Star and her reputation.
TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 04: Elaine Thompson-Herah of Team Jamaica poses with the gold medal for the Women’s 200m Final on day twelve of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 04, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)TOKYO, JAPAN August 7: Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica with their gold medals on the podium after winning the 4 x 100m relay for women during the Track and Field competition at the Olympic Stadium at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games on August 7th, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Other than Julien Alfred, there is no female athlete training in Jamaica that can make the podium in Paris. That is a stark comment, but it reflects the result of Looming procrastination and slow times. The environment is rich for Julien Alfred. She could be a surprising recipient of Athletic accolades. However, I cannot imagine her running sub 10.7 for the 100m and sub 22.0 for the 200m but that is why they run the races.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 2: (L-R) Ewa Swoboda of Poland, Julien Alfred of St Lucia and Zaynab Dosso of Italy in the womens 60 Metres Final during day two of the World Athletics Indoor Championships at Emirates Arena on March 2, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Sam Mellish/Getty Images)GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 02: Bronze medalist Zaynab Dosso of Team Italy and Julien Alfred of Team Saint Lucia pose for a photo after the Women’s 60 Metres Final on Day Two of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 at Emirates Arena on March 02, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Clearly something went wrong in preparation for 2024. Do you blame JAAA or JOA? Could it be that Athletes sat on their Laurels expecting the Big 3 to perform and to their surprise the big 3 is not clicking on any cylinder. So now what?
Team Jamaica did not appear excited to have a double Olympic champion with the Olympic Record of 10.61 in the 100m, vying for a third attempt at an unprecedented feat. Fans are concerned that Elaine Thompson – Herah is treated like a stone that the builder refused. However, the Athlete might have contributed to that negative reaction in the current circumstance.
The optics are not good. The IOC might feel slighted and could well be within their rights to express consideration of actions towards Elaine Thompson – Herah (ETH). Puma might consider disciplinary action. After all ETH is not just an Athlete, she is an Ambassador for the Sport. With all the hype and her failure to mount a credible defense of her titles, fans believe she should explain her behavior. Avid fans of the Sport of Track and Field are trying to rebuild. Athletes at the elite level should exhibit and demonstrate the utmost level of professionalism or declare in a timely manner their inability to perform.
TOKYO, JAPAN August 7: Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica with their gold medals on the podium after winning the 4 x 100m relay for women during the Track and Field competition at the Olympic Stadium at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games on August 7th, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)TOKYO, JAPAN August 6: Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica celebrates the Jamaican teams gold medal win in the 4x 100m for women during the Track and Field competition at the Olympic Stadium at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games on August 6th, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Such an eventuality will dampen the excitement of Olympics 2024. This will be tragic and fans of Elaine Thompson – Herah are bracing themselves for what could be the end of an era. Along with Shelley Ann Fraser Pryce planned departure and Shericka Jackson not looking fit, we could unexpectedly be preparing for a changing of the Track and Field guards.
TOKYO, JAPAN August 7: Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica with their gold medals on the podium after winning the 4 x 100m relay for women during the Track and Field competition at the Olympic Stadium at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games on August 7th, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 21: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Team Jamaica reacts after competing in the Women’s 100m Semi-Final during day three of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 21, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: August 25: Shericka Jackson of Jamaica celebrates her gold medal win in the Women’s 200m Final during the World Athletics Championships, at the National Athletics Centre on August 25th, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Indications are that the 10.6x era will experience a setback. With the big 3 not performing well the women 100m final at Paris Olympics is unlikely to be faster than 10.70 seconds. That time will be consistent with procrastination in preparation and slow times. Could the increase in frequency of the World Championship be having a negative impact on the Olympics. Something to ponder. For Paris 2024, if the women 100m and 200m finals are slower than 10.65 seconds and 21.40 seconds respectively then fans will be disappointed. Too many World Championships could spoil the Olympics.
Meanwhile the Philippines is in great spirits and are ready to participate in Paris 2024 Fans anticipate the Philippines will get multiple medals including a gold by E J Obiena.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 23: EJ Obiena of Phillipines in the men’s pole vault qualification during day five of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 23, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Sam Mellish/Getty Images)
Survey indicates that the following Events will have BLUE RIBBON status in Paris: Women -100m, 100m Hurdles, 200m, 400m flat, and 400m hurdles. Men – 100m, 200m, 110m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles, and 400m flat. Beyond that all events will be typical Olympics competition.
Stars and Competitors need to be cognizant of time, distance, and height associated with eligibility to participate in each event at the Olympics. Here are the Qualifying Standards by Event. Paris Olympics 2024 is almost ready to welcome all. Whether you are a Track and Field fanatic or not; Flights, Hotel, Events Tickets, Seats, and plans for post event activities are completed. All Athletes planning to participate at the Paris Olympics July 26 to August 11, 2024, are aware that Fans consider them capable to step on the podium. Athletes are working extremely hard and by end of June 2024 some will declare that competing is not the operative, winning in Paris is. If you are not near your best Time, Distance, or Height in June, you will be challenged in the Paris Olympics.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 09: Gabby Thomas of the United States crosses the finish line to win the women’s 200m during the 2024 USATF NYC Grand Prix at Icahn Stadium on June 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: August 24: Gabrielle Thomas of the United States in action in the Women’s 200m Semi-Final heat one during the World Athletics Championships, at the National Athletics Centre on August 24th, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Women 200m event has become the Shericka Jackson Invitational. Gabby Thomas has significant work to do. Shacari Richardson is unlikely to contend for the gold medal in the 200m. Do not be surprised if Shericka Jackson is challenged. Hold on to your hat if you need it for Church Services. When Stars come around the bend at Paris 2024, remove or lose your hat.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 25: Shericka Jackson of Team Jamaica celebrates winning the Women’s 200m Final during day seven of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 25, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 25: Gold medalist Shericka Jackson of Team Jamaica and silver medalist Gabrielle Thomas of Team United States celebrate after the Women’s 200m Final during day seven of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 25, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Women 100m Hurdles will be the primary Blue-Ribbon event at Paris 2024. The competition will be fierce. The field will be talented. On any given day, any of the participants can win that event. The margin of error is low. Whoever clears the 3rd Hurdle first will have the best chance of winning the event.
SUZHOU, CHINA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico, Devynne Charlton of Bahamas and Danielle Williams of Jamaica compete in the women’s 100m hurdles during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting at Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on April 27, 2024 in Suzhou, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: August 25: Danielle Williams of Jamaica with her gold medal after the Women’s 100m Hurdles Final with silver medal winner Jasmine Camacho-Quinn of Puerto and bronze medal winner Kendra Harrison of the United States during the medal ceremony at the medal plaza during the World Athletics Championships, at the National Athletics Centre on August 25th, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Women 400m Flat will be competitive. MariLeidy Paulino appears to be ahead of the competition. The question now is can she run faster than 47.60 seconds and can she deal with the pressure. However, Nickisha Pryce is sending signals that she will be ready to perform. It will be interesting to witness performances and result. However, MariLeidy Paulino will be a Factor.
EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 08: Nickisha Pryce of the Arkansas Razorbacks and 3 teammates placed first through fourth during the Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship held at Hayward Field on June 8, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. Kaylyn Brown, Amber Anning and Rosey Effiong places 2nd, 3rd and 4th. (Photo by Isaac Wasserman/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)EUGENE, OREGON – JUNE 6: Nickisha Pryce of the Arkansas Razorbacks competes in the 400 meter dash during the Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championship held at Hayward Field on June 6, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Isaac Wasserman/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson celebrates holding the Jamaican flag after she won the Women’s 100m Final during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 13, 2016. / AFP / Jeff PACHOUD (Photo credit should read JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)KITAKYUSHU, JAPAN – OCTOBER 24: Gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo of the Philippines poses with his national flag at a victory ceremony for the Men’s Vault Final during the Apparatus Finals on day seven of the 50th FIG Artistic Gymnastics Championships at Kitakyushu General Gymnasium on October 24, 2021 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)LOUISVILLE, KY – MAY 18: The American flag on the golf course during the third round of the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/PGA of America via Getty Images)