Mon | Dec 2, 2024

Silver lining

Thompson misses gold but gives Ja first major medal in men’s 100m since 2017

Published:Monday | August 5, 2024 | 12:11 AMDaniel Wheeler/Gleaner Writer
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From left: Oblique Seville, Akani Simbine, Kishane Thompson and Fred Kerley dash to the finish line in the mens 100m finals.
Gladstone Taylor / Multimedia Photo Editor
From left: Oblique Seville, Akani Simbine, Kishane Thompson and Fred Kerley dash to the finish line in the mens 100m finals.
1. Kishane Thomspon (left) of Jamaica and Noah Lyles of the United States look on for the results of the men’s 100m finals at the Stade de France in Paris, France, yesterday.
Gladstone Taylor
1. Kishane Thomspon (left) of Jamaica and Noah Lyles of the United States look on for the results of the men’s 100m finals at the Stade de France in Paris, France, yesterday.
Kishane Thompson (right) and teammate Oblique Seville of Jamaica moments after the men’s 100m finals.
Gladstone Taylor
Kishane Thompson (right) and teammate Oblique Seville of Jamaica moments after the men’s 100m finals.
3. Residents of Mitchell Town in Clarendon were in a frenzy as hometown hero Kishane Thompson mined silver in the 100m at the Olympics finals on Sunday. They were out in their numbers for an Olympics 100m final watch party at the Mitchell Town Community Fi
Nathaniel Stewart
3. Residents of Mitchell Town in Clarendon were in a frenzy as hometown hero Kishane Thompson mined silver in the 100m at the Olympics finals on Sunday. They were out in their numbers for an Olympics 100m final watch party at the Mitchell Town Community Field.
Gladstone Taylor / Multimedia Photo Editor Kishane Thomspon of Jamaica competing in the men’s 100m finals at the Stade de France in Paris, France yesterday.
Gladstone Taylor/Multimedia Photo Editor
Gladstone Taylor / Multimedia Photo Editor Kishane Thomspon of Jamaica competing in the men’s 100m finals at the Stade de France in Paris, France yesterday.
2. Kishane Thompson (left) assists teammate Oblique Seville of Jamaica moments after the men’s 100m finals.
Gladstone Taylor/Multimedia Photo Editor
2. Kishane Thompson (left) assists teammate Oblique Seville of Jamaica moments after the men’s 100m finals.
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Paris, France:

Jamaica’s eight-year men’s 100m major global title drought appeared to have ended under the lights in Paris, France, yesterday. But when the dust settled, by the barest of margins, American Noah Lyles claimed the ultimate prize.

Lyles added the Olympic title to the World crown he won last year in Budapest, Hungary, with a personal best effort of 9.79 seconds and a photo-finish time of 9.784. Kishane Thompson, in his first major global final, mined silver while also finishing in 9.79, but with a photo-finish time of 9.789 seconds – .005 behind Lyles. Lyles’ teammate, American Fred Kerley, was third in a season’s best 9.81 seconds. Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, in his third major global final, was eighth in 9.91.

With Thompson’s silver, Jamaica procured its first Olympic medal in the event since Usain Bolt’s win in 2016 and its first major global medal for the men’s 100m since Bolt’s bronze medal in 2017. Although it was not the colour that he would have liked, Thompson was not just appreciative of the medal, but of being able to complete a season in good health.

“I am super grateful. I came out here injury free. I think that you know my history with injuries. I am a bit disappointed, but I am super grateful and happy at the same time,” Thompson said.

He consoled Seville after the race, and Seville hailed his compatriot in his post-race interview with Television Jamaica.

Lyles’ victory meant that the United States took back the men’s 100m Olympic crown it last claimed in 2004.

Natoya Goule-Toppin did not advance to the finals of the women’s 800m after finishing sixth in 1:59.14 minutes. Reports emerged that the result is under protest due to an alleged barge [interference], which caused Goule-Toppin to fall behind.

Earlier in the morning, Jamaica suffered another withdrawal as Shericka Jackson did not face the starter of the women’s 200m. Jackson’s fitness was in question leading up to the Games and she had opted out of the 100m. Lanae Tava Thomas and Niesha Burgher progressed to this afternoon’s semi- finals, with second-place finishes in their respective heats.

World championships silver medallist Wayne Pinnock and world indoor championship bronze medallist Carey McLeod advanced to the finals of the men’s long jump. Pinnock’s mark of 7.96 and McLeod’s mark of 7.90 were good enough to finish in the top 12 of qualifying. Former world champion Tajay Gayle missed out on the final after his mark of 7.78m was only good enough for 19th place.

Reigning Olympic champion Hansle Parchment had to endure a nervous wait but advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s 110m hurdles as a non-automatic qualifier after finishing fifth in his heat in 13.43. Orlando Bennett and Commonwealth Games champion Rasheed Broadbell advanced automatically with second-place finishes. Parchment said that while it wasn’t the best race, he was committed to improving after getting a race under him.

“It wasn’t the best execution, but I am in the next round, so I have that to look towards now. So I have to put my mind towards that,” Parchment said

All three Jamaicans secured passage to the semi-finals of the women’s 400m hurdles, registering automatic qualifications. National champion Rushell Clayton won her heat in 54.32, and Shian Salmon finished second in her heat in 53.95. Janieve Russell was third in her heat in 54.67.

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