Five-time Olympic gold medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah, the fastest woman alive, made her highly anticipated season debut in the 100m at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon, on May 25. However, the race did not go as expected for the Jamaican sprinting sensation. Despite her previous stellar performances at this event, including her 10.54-second run in 2021, Thompson-Herah struggled throughout the race, eventually fading to finish in 9th place with a time of 11.30 seconds.
In stark contrast, reigning world champion Sha'Carri Richardson dominated the race, clocking an impressive 10.83 seconds to secure victory. The eagerly awaited showdown between Thompson-Herah and Richardson turned into a display of Richardson's prowess, as she outpaced all competitors decisively. Thompson-Herah's unexpected performance left fans and analysts puzzled, marking a stark departure from her usual dominance on the track. The Prefontaine Classic highlighted the unpredictable nature of sprinting, where even the fastest woman alive can face unexpected challenges.
