It’s been a truly tough week for Jamaican athletics fans, and honestly, the hurt still feels incredibly fresh. Just a few days ago, we were all reeling from the absolute shock of Olympic medalists Rajindra Campbell and Roje Stona reportedly switching their allegiance to Turkey. The whispers are that they were lured by $500,000 signing bonuses and ongoing financial support, a stark contrast to the funding struggles back home.
That news felt like a punch to the gut, leaving us to wonder how on earth Jamaica’s sprinting dynasty could bounce back from such a blow. And now, just as Jamaican fans are trying to pick themselves up, another heartbreaking development threatens to deepen the wound. Wonder what it could be?
The 5-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah would not be available for the World Championship in Tokyo. Well, the initial deadline for the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)/PUMA National Senior & Junior Championships has passed, and the athlete entry list is about to be finalized. These Trials, set for June 26-29 at the National Stadium, are the gateway to the World Athletics Championships, where Jamaican athletes are always expected to shine. But the absence of some really big names has definitely raised eyebrows. Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Jaydon Hibbert are notably missing, leaving all wondering where the next wave of Jamaican champions will come from. And of all the absences, it’s Thompson-Herah’s withdrawal that stings the most. She’s a five-time Olympic champion whose incredible legacy has truly defined a generation.
Elaine Thompson-Herah, the double double Olympic champion who has yet to compete this season, will not be present at the JAAA/Puma National Senior Championships
The late entry period officially closed at 11:59pm JA time last night.
It means that this year’s World… pic.twitter.com/aOQOX9DZ5A
— Owen (@_OwenM_) June 20, 2025
For 12 years, ever since her debut in 2013, Elaine Thompson-Herah has been a constant presence at the World Championships, her speed and grace lighting up tracks from Moscow to Doha. An X post from Owen this past Thursday, June 20, 2025, confirmed what many feared, “the late entry period for the Championships closed at 11:59 pm JA time, and with no sign of her, she’ll miss the Tokyo event”. This marks her first absence since 2013, bringing an end to an incredible streak fueled by her double gold wins in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. But her journey, as we know, hasn’t been without its struggles. So, what’s really behind this sudden step back?
Injury has long cast a shadow over her brilliant career. Since her triumph in Rio, an Achilles tendon issue has plagued her, notably derailing her 2017 and 2019 World Championship performances, including a fourth-place finish in the 100m at Doha with a 10.93s run. Despite her resilient returns, the physical toll seems to have finally caught up, casting serious doubt on her participation this season. With her absence from the Trials, Jamaica’s hopes of seeing her defend her incredible legacy in Tokyo are fading fast. But with other stars like Stona and Hibbert also sidelined, what does all of this truly mean for Jamaica’s future on the global stage?
While Thompson-Herah is yet to return, Jamaica’s Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson have registered to compete at the trials
The Jamaican track scene still feels a bit empty without Elaine Thompson-Herah‘s incredible speed lighting up the track. Her absence continues to be deeply felt, especially since she hasn’t returned to competition since being sidelined by that nagging Achilles injury in 2024.
But even with Elaine still on the mend, there’s a definite spark of hope! Her legendary compatriots, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson, have officially registered for the upcoming JAAA/PUMA National Senior & Junior Championships, happening from June 26th to 29th at the National Stadium. It’s a huge relief for a nation absolutely craving sprinting glory, but the big question remains: can these seasoned veterans carry the torch alone?
Both fierce competitors are focusing solely on the women’s 100 meters, each bringing their own impressive history to the starting line. Shericka Jackson, the reigning World Champion, is looking strong after her 10.84s victory at the 2024 Trials. Then there’s the indomitable Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a five-time 100m world champion, who’s shifted her focus entirely to the 100m as she nears what could be her final hurrah. She’s already clocked a season’s best of 10.94 this year.
The competition is going to be absolutely thrilling, with exciting young talent like the Clayton twins, Alana Reid, Briana Williams, Kemba Nelson, and Krystal Sloley all eager to make their mark. It’s going to be a battle of generations , will the experience of our established stars outshine the raw power of these rising challengers? We’re all on the edge of our seats to find out!
The post 5x Olympic Champion Drops Another Blow on Jamaica as 12-Year Record Left Ignored with Massive Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.
