PARIS — Jamaican five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah has appointed Reynaldo Walcott as her new coach following her split from Shanikie Osbourne earlier this month, her management company said.
Walcott has also been coaching her compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce since the 2020 season. The two sprinters have seemingly maintained a consistently frosty relationship.
Andi Sports Management, Thompson-Herah’s agency, stated recently that the separation from Osbourne resulted from a “breakdown in negotiations on a compensation package” sought by Osbourne.
Thompson-Herah and Walcott begin their collaboration less than a year before she defends her 100 meters and 200 meters titles at the Paris Games, Reuters reported.
The standout name however is Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and it means that both her and Thompson-Herah will go into the Paris 2024 Olympics under the stewardship of the same coach.
The pair will therefore re-unite in a training camp once again for the first time in three years, given both Fraser-Pryce and Thompson-Herah used to be at Track Club.
Since joining Walcott, Fraser-Pryce has gone onto claim her fifth world 100m crown and run a personal best of 10.60, which still has her third on the 100m all-time list.
Thompson-Herah, by her own standards, had a tricky 2023 season after battling an Achilles injury.
The Jamaican sprint superstar did however end her campaign with a stunning season’s best of 10.79 to finish third at the Pre Classic, her fastest time since she clocked 10.65 at the Zurich Diamond League two years ago.
In a statement, the Jamaican’s management team – Andi Sports Management – said: “In expressing her gratitude, Elaine Thompson-Herah extends heartfelt thanks to her fans and well-wishers for the overwhelming love and support they have showered upon her during this transitional period.
“The outpouring of encouragement has been a source of inspiration for Thompson-Herah, reinforcing the profound connection she has with her global fan base.
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