No medal, but Clayton remains ‘grateful and thankful’

“Mi bawl fi couple days” said two-time World Championships bronze medallist Rushell Clayton, lamenting over leaving the 2024 Paris Olympics Games without a medal.

Crossing the line in fifth position in the final at this year’s Games is not what the second fastest Jamaican woman in the 400m hurdles had in mind.

“It would be a lie to say that I am not sad walking away from the Olympic Games without a medal,” said Clayton in an Instagram post yesterday.

In spite of the woes, she still seeks to reap joy from the experience.

“However, I’m extremely grateful and thankful that I was able to run three solid races, which is inclusive of my second and third fastest times ever. I ran that final with confidence and a big heart, yet, I fell short,” she said. “It’s kinda crazy because I’ve been having the best year of my career.”

And this Games will not take away the joy she feels in representing the island at a global level.

“It was my utmost pleasure representing Team Jamaica on the biggest stage ever,” she said. “If the hurt comes, so will happiness. I will forever exercise patience knowing that the Lord has my back always.”

The Olympics battle might be lost but the war is still on as Clayton refocuses to finish the season on a high note.

“I still got a few races before the season ends and crazy goals to achieve. See you in a few days. Writing my story,” she said.

She also thanked all who supported her during the Games.

“Shout out to all y’all who sent me encouragement and love, it was felt and appreciated,” she said.

Her training team, Elite Performance Track Club, also showed their appreciation to Clayton for her Olympic Games performance.

“ ‘At least a podium finish.’ I’m sure these are words you have said to yourself over this championship. We have seen you in training and the way you have pushed your body day after day, we share your disappointment,” the club said in an Instagram post.

“Training is hard, winning is hard, not winning is hard, getting up and going again is probably the hardest, but we can do hard things.

“The season isn’t done and we must push on.

“You have represented yourself exceptionally well and you have made us and the rest of Jamaica proud,” the club said.