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“Jamaica Blew It”: As Sha’Carri Richardson Secures Third Win, World’s Fastest Woman Alive Elaine’s Absence Leaves Track Fans Upset

Published 08/27/2023, 5:30 AM EDT

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Sha’Carri Richardson is all that everyone can think about. The athlete made a resounding impact at the World Athletics Championships 2023 in Budapest on Saturday, August 26. In a momentous display of skill and teamwork, Richardson anchored Team USA to a sensational 4x100m gold. Furthermore, collaborating with Gabby Thomas, Richardson’s blazing speed propelled the United States past its perennial competitor, Jamaica.

The showdown, anticipated to be a clash of titans, saw Richardson’s victory in the 100m and Shericka Jackson’s triumph in the 200m. Yet, what cast a shadow over Jackson’s remarkable feat was the absence of the world’s fastest woman alive. This event underscored that even in the world of track and field, the absence of a key player can drastically alter the dynamics.

Sha’Carri Richardson and Team USA’s victory sparked discussions

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Saturday was a great day to be an American. In an electrifying showdown, Tamari Davis, Twanisha Terry, Gabby Thomas, and Sha’Carri Richardson – blazed across the finish line. The USA team in a record-breaking 41.03 seconds, made the swiftest time ever recorded at a World Championships. Hot on their heels, the Jamaican team composed of Natasha Morrison, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shashalee Forbes, and Shericka Jackson secured silver, clocking in at 41.21 seconds.

via Imago

The anchor leg unfolded as Richardson stood toe-to-toe with Jackson, receiving the baton with a slender lead over her Jamaican counterpart. Crossing the finish line as the newly crowned 100m world champion, Richardson’s triumphant roar echoed. Moreover, the athlete seamlessly transitioned her celebration into an embrace with the US men’s relay team.

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Despite Fraser-Pryce’s efforts, Elaine Thompson-Herah the current fastest woman alive in the 100m was not there for Jamaica. Her notable achievements, including completing an Olympic sprinting triple, place her in the company of legendary sprinters Griffith-Joyner and Usain Bolt. Hence the conspicuous absence of the Jamaican athlete stirred conversations across the internet.

Fan reactions reflected disappointment and admiration for the athletes

As discussions unfolded online, fans candidly voiced their opinions, stating, “Jamaica blew it by not running Elaine Thompson,” underscoring the significance of the third leg in the relay. This sentiment was underlined by Gabby Thomas’s determined surge past Jamaica’s third runner.

Henceforth, despite Fraser-Pryce’s determination through a muscle strain in her right leg, the focus shifted to 23-year-old Sha’Carri Richardson’s astonishing achievement. Furthermore, because of these results, fans still can’t wrap their heads around the decision saying, “I don’t believe so.” 

While Pryce’s composed acceptance of the bronze medal added a layer of sportsmanship to the narrative, the absence of Elaine from Jamaica’s roster reverberated with fans, leaving them to express their disappointment. Fans lamented the “Would’ve could’ve should’ve…” scenario, with one fan remarking, “Elaine Thompson Herah would’ve definitely put up a challenge.”

Despite hopes for Thompson’s participation in future Olympics, doubts loomed large. The decision of the relay coach drew perplexity, with fans questioning, “I just don’t get these decisions by the #JAAA relay coach! Why wasn’t #ElaineThompson on the final relay team?”

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Recognizing the strategic importance of having the fastest woman alive, fans voiced, “True true, Elaine Thompson should have run”. Amidst ongoing debates, Sha’Carri Richardson’s accomplishments underscore her commitment to the sport.

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Earning gold medals in this year’s world championships, along with a bronze in the 200-meters and a surprising win in the women’s 100-meters, Richardson’s performance becomes a vivid testament to her tenacity on the track.

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Written by:

Gincy Abraham

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Gincy Abraham, an accomplished sports news writer at EssentiallySports, has a profound passion for surfing and a talent for covering the latest developments in sports. With expertise in Olympic news, Gincy captures the essence of the global sporting event. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and years of experience as a news reporter, Gincy is always in pursuit to deliver accurate content religiously.
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Edited by:

Brandon Gabriel