by Stuart Weir
Elaine Thompson-Herah, 2022 Muller Indoor Grand Prix, Birmingham, England, the presser, photo by British Athletics
The women’s 60m at Birmingham featured Elaine Thompson-Herah. In Tokyo 2020 (August 2021), Elaine defended her 100m title from 2016 Rio, then won the 200m, and also took a third gold in the Jamaican women’s 4x100m relays. In the Olympics in Tokyo, Elaine won the 100m in 10.61, then, she ran 21.53 in the 200 meters.
Post Olympics, at the Nike Pre Classic, Elaine ran 10.54, a new Jamaican record, plus a 10.64 and a 10.65. On twitter, she is known as Fast Elaine, and and that is a perfect moniker for the speed goddess.
Her 7.08 looked easy. How fast will she run in Belgrade?
Only time will tell.
That Elaine Thompson-Herah won a sprint race is hardly a headline maker. But I can report that the double, double Olympic champion did just that, winning the 60m in 7.08 from Darryl Neita in 7.11. Mujinga Kambundji was third in 7.13.
Elaine Thompson Herah wins 60m, goes 7.08, photo by Getty Images / British Athletics
The winner said: “I love it here [in Birmingham where she ran her PR of 6.98 in 2017] and I’ve got so many amazing memories here. It’s a good win and although I wanted to go under seven seconds I’m good. It’s part of my training process. My speed hasn’t come back yet but it’s all about preparation”. She added: “Last year was amazing and we want to be the most talked-about woman in the history in the sprints.”
At the pre-event press conference, Elaine would not be drawn as to whether the World Indoors in Serbia in March would figure in her 2022 program. After her race, she repeated that she was “still thinking about the World Indoors”. I remember seeing Shelly-Ann run indoors for the first time – also in Birmingham. “Is this really your first ever indoor race?” The answer came swiftly: “I’m from Jamaica, why would I want to run indoors?” Let’s hope Elaine decides to grace Belgrade with her presence.
Daryll Neita said: “I feel great and it’s nice to run a personal best in front of a home crowd.
Darryl Netia ran 7.13 PB, Elaine Thompson-Herah, 7.08, Kambundi Mujinga, 7.11, photo by Getty Images / British Athletics
“I had great preparation and I’ve been improving under a new coach. My next race is Torun and I’ll see about the British Champs. It’s always great when you’re lined up against the Olympic champion and I knew it would be a fast race.”
An intriguing answer too. When I spoke to Darryl last month, she said she did not plan an indoor season. Now, having run a PR, she is running again this week in Poland and possibly the GB Champs. The only season to do the GB Champs would be if she is planning on seeking selection for the World Indoors. Watch this space!
