In 2024, Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson emerged as the world’s fastest man after winning the Olympic Trials 100m in 9.77 seconds, marking the fastest time globally in two years. This victory at his first career senior national championship final in Kingston earned him the top spot. Thompson had to withdraw from the semifinals and finals due to injury concerns, but he continued to perform well at Diamond League meets in September, ranking fifth in the world by best time at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Noah Lyles secured a victory at the U.S. Olympic Trials 100m with a time of 9.83 seconds, matching his personal best time. Fred Kerley is the only man in the anticipated Paris Olympic field with a faster personal best than 9.77, having run 9.76 in June 2022. Shericka Jackson won the women’s 100m event at the Jamaican trials with a time of 10.84 seconds, followed by Tina Clayton in 10.90 and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in 10.94. Elaine Thompson-Herah, the two-time reigning Olympic 100m champion, withdrew from the trials due to injury, ruling her out of the Paris Games.
Thompson’s impressive performance at the Jamaican trials marked a significant milestone in his career and set him on track to compete for Jamaica’s first men’s 100m medal at a global championship since Usain Bolt’s last race at the 2017 World Championships.
The men’s and women’s races were both highly competitive and saw several impressive performances from athletes around the world.
Overall, it was an exciting year for sprinting enthusiasts as they watched these talented athletes push themselves to their limits and showcase their skills on track.
In conclusion, Kishane Thompson has been hailed as one of Jamaica’s brightest prospects after winning gold medals on both national and international levels this year
