Elaine Thompson-Herah, the reigning Olympic champion is both the 100 and 200 meters, won’t be in Paris to defend her titles.
The Jamaican star sprinter announced on Instagram that she has withdrawn from trials due to an Achilles injury that she sustained earlier this month at the New York Grand Prix.
“It’s never fun sharing news like this but at the New York Grand Prix I felt something in the race and still insist to push, couple steps to the line I realize something is really wrong. I sat on the ground because I couldn’t apply any pressure to the leg whatsoever as I was carried off the track. I went quickly to get some medical checkup and to found out that I have a small tear on my Achilles tendon,” Thompson-Herah wrote on social media.
“Funny enough I got back home with a strong mindset to keep pushing and prepare for my national (trials) another shot of my third Olympics but the leg wouldn’t allow me to.
“It’s a long road but I am willing to start over and keep working and to make full recovery and resume my track career. I am hurt and devastated to be missing the Olympic this year but at the end of the day it’s sports and my health comes first.”
Thompson-Herah, who turns 32 on June 28, is a five-time Olympic gold medalist. She accomplished the Olympic sprint double, by winning the 100 and 200, at both the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Games.
Thompson-Herah’s personal-best in the 100 of 10.54 is the second-fastest time in history. Her personal record in the 200 is 21.53, which is the third fastest time ever.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elaine Thompson-Herah, reigning 100 champ, to miss Paris Olympics
