Jamaican sprinting icon Elaine Thompson-Herah has marked a significant milestone in her long-awaited return to competitive athletics by winning her first race in over two years. The five-time Olympic gold medallist, widely regarded as one of the greatest female sprinters of all time, demonstrated flashes of her elite ability by emerging victorious in the women’s 60-metre invitational at the S.W. Isaac Henry Development Meet held at Jamaica’s National Stadium. Thompson-Herah crossed the finish line in a season’s best 7.20 seconds, showcasing both her return to form and the resilience that has defined her remarkable career.
This victory represents a meaningful step in her comeback from a prolonged absence from the track due to injury, particularly a stubborn Achilles problem that saw her sidelined for much of the past couple of seasons. Prior to this win, her comeback effort began just a week earlier at the Camperdown Classic, where she ran her first competitive race since mid-2024, clocking 7.24 seconds for third place. That race was seen as an encouraging starting point but fell short of a win — until this latest performance, which affirmed that her return is progressing on the right path.
Thompson-Herah’s win was convincing. After the gun, she exploded out of the blocks and maintained strong acceleration through the finish, edging out rivals such as Levanya Williams, who clocked 7.28 seconds for second place, and Anthonique Strachan, who took third in 7.39 seconds. The victory, delivered with authority, is a powerful statement that the Jamaican sprint legend remains capable of competing — and winning — at a high level following months of hard work, recovery and rehabilitation.
For context, Thompson-Herah’s absence from the winner’s circle has been lengthy. Prior to this year, she had not recorded a competitive victory in more than two years, with injury interruptions dominating her calendar and derailing her otherwise stellar trajectory in global sprinting. In 2024, she sustained an Achilles injury during a race at the New York Grand Prix, which ultimately compelled her to withdraw from the Jamaican trials and miss a chance to defend her Olympic titles at the Paris Games.
That setback was a tough chapter in the career of an athlete who had previously enjoyed extraordinary success at the highest levels. Thompson-Herah is the first female sprinter in history — and only the second athlete overall, after legendary Jamaican Usain Bolt — to win back-to-back Olympic sprint doubles (100m and 200m), first achieving the feat at Rio 2016 and then again at Tokyo 2020. During that period she also set some of the fastest performances in women’s sprinting history, including an Olympic record of 10.61 seconds in the 100m and a 200m time of 21.53 seconds — the second-fastest mark ever run.
Her recent return, though measured and cautious, shows that she still possesses the world-class talent that made her a global sprinting powerhouse. Coaches, fans, and fellow athletes alike have watched her comeback with interest, recognising that sprinters often face significant challenges returning to peak shape after major injuries, particularly ones involving the Achilles tendon. That makes her recent victory all the more inspiring, as it suggests a gradual but genuine return to competitive rhythm.
While Thompson-Herah’s immediate focus may be on indoor sprinting and building momentum, this win naturally fuels speculation about broader ambitions for the upcoming season — including potential appearances at major meets and perhaps even a bid to re-establish herself on the global stage. Regardless of what comes next, this first victory in more than two years is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and enduring excellence in sprinting.
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