When you’re a legend and a future, everyone’s got eyes on you. And that’s exactly what happened when Kishane Thompson stepped up to his first outdoor 100m race of the 2025 season at the Shanghai Diamond League in May. The hype was real, and everyone was watching. From the moment that gun went off, Thompson looked every bit the part, coming out strong and positioning himself perfectly among the leaders. For most of the race, it seemed like he had this one in the bag. But just as they neared the finish line….

South Africa’s Akani Simbine hit his signature explosive finish, edging Thompson out by a split second—9.98 seconds to 9.99. It was so close, but not close enough. A bitter pill to swallow, but the race had people asking, Why does this always happen to Thompson? Always so close to the win, but never quite there. The drama didn’t go unnoticed, catching the attention of several legends. But when one coach shared his thoughts on the outcome, he quickly became the target of intense online trolling.

“What’s your problem with Kishane?! Cause damn,” one comment read. Another added, “Coach Rob doesn’t seem to think before he speaks.” One more added, “He might win up in championships in September.” And yet another chimed in, “Coach Rob might’ve gone a bit hard on Thompson since it’s just his first race.” These were some of the reactions following Coach Rob’s comments on the May 3 episode of Coach Rob Track and Field on YouTube.

In the podcast, Coach Rob discussed Kishane Thompson’s performance, noting how Thompson surged ahead in the early stages of the race but ultimately failed to maintain the lead. Coach Rob questioned, “The idea of him running is a situation because he might not run,” which didn’t sit well with fans. His words sparked a wave of criticism, with many pointing out that it was too early in the season to judge Thompson’s potential, especially with the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo looming just a few months away.

But that’s not all. On May 7, Coach Rob, in the same channel, responded with a new video, where he took the opportunity to set the record straight. He emphasized that Kishane Thompson is “one of the most exciting athletes in all of sprinting“—a fact, not just an opinion—and praised his Olympic silver and world-leading 100-meter performance.

“Whenever he competes, I will pay attention,” Rob stated, explaining that he simply shared his thoughts after watching Thompson’s first race of the season in the Diamond League in Shanghai. Coach Rob acknowledged the strong reactions from his viewers and decided to address the feedback with more thoughtfulness.

Coach Rob, in response to critics who suggested Thompson’s “plan” should be factored into the analysis. Coach clarified his stance. “Every single one who hopes to be there at Worlds and win a medal—they all have a plan with their coaches,” he said. He pushed back on the idea that Kishane Thompson’s plan was somehow more significant than others, calling it disrespectful to the athletes working just as hard.

“Maybe you’re saying his plan and his coaching staff are better. Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t. We’ll find that out in time,” Coach Rob added. He pointed out that the reality is every sprinter has the same 365 days to prepare, with the only difference being their context—how they make the best of the time and conditions they have. “There is no sprinter in the world who goes into a 100-meter race and says, ‘My plan is not to win.’”

Rob wrapped up by emphasizing the importance of context in sports, reiterating that while everyone may have different strategies, the goal is always the same—to perform at their best and compete for the win. “Your legs may be loaded—based on your training mechanisms,” he explained.

“But remember, everybody else has the same 12 months, wherever you are in the world. The calendars for the meets don’t change. The only thing that changes is your context.” But the big question remains: why isn’t Kishane Thompson performing at his best in 2025? Well, there are a few reasons for that.

Fast but fragile Kishane Thompson’s fight against injury

Kishane Thompson’s journey in sprinting? It’s been nothing short of thrilling! In 2024, he blasted to a personal best of 9.77 seconds, making it clear he’s one of the fastest men in the game. Then, at the Paris Olympics, he came heartbreakingly close to snagging gold in the men’s 100m final, finishing just a hair behind Noah Lyles, who clocked 9.784 seconds. That close call!!!!

However, Thompson’s journey has been marred by recurring injuries that have hindered his ability to maintain consistent form. In early 2025, he withdrew from the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing due to a “slight injury” sustained during training, specifically to his shin. Coach Stephen Francis confirmed that Thompson was “unfit” to compete and would require a few days of rest to recover.

This setback followed a promising start to the season, where Thompson clocked a personal best of 6.48 seconds in the 60m at the Central Hurdles, Relays, and Field Events Meet in Kingston. Despite the injury, Thompson remains optimistic about his recovery and future performances. Kishane Thompson has openly acknowledged the challenges posed by his injury-prone nature, expressing frustration over the setbacks that have prevented him from completing a full season unaffected.

He admitted, “Sad truth is that I am injury-prone, and I hate to admit it,” highlighting the mental and physical toll these injuries have taken on him. Despite these challenges, Thompson’s resilience and determination continue to drive him forward, and fans remain hopeful for his return to peak form shortly.