The Reynaldo Walcott-led Elite Performance Track and Field Club appears to be facing an exodus of top athletes, with reports suggesting that sprinting sensation Elaine Thompson-Herah is on the verge of leaving. This development comes in the wake of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's recent departure from the club, sparking speculation about the future of the once-formidable training group.
Thompson-Herah, a double Olympic sprint champion, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to rejoin MVP Track Club, the University of Technology-based powerhouse where she first rose to prominence. Her exit would be another major blow for Elite Performance, which has been struggling to maintain its standing among the elite training camps in Jamaica.
Fraser-Pryce’s Departure
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the founding members of Elite Performance, has been a cornerstone of the club since its establishment in 2016. After splitting from her long-time coach Stephen Francis, she helped build the foundation of Walcott's group, achieving remarkable feats under his guidance, including lowering her personal best to 10.60 seconds and securing her fifth World Championship title in 2022.
However, Fraser-Pryce's recent seasons have been marred by injuries, notably a persistent knee issue. Reports suggest that her relationship with Walcott became strained during the 2024 season, culminating in her decision to part ways with the coach. Sources indicate that the sprinting legend is assembling a new coaching team, with Andre Wellington—who has a history with Racers Track Club and recently guided World U20 silver medalist Bouwahghie Nkrumie—rumored to be part of her new setup.
Fraser-Pryce’s departure is a significant moment in Jamaican athletics, not only because of her legacy but also due to the success she brought to Elite Performance. Her decision to continue competing in the 2025 season, despite injury setbacks and a challenging campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics, underscores her enduring determination.
Thompson-Herah: A Prodigal Return?
Elaine Thompson-Herah’s expected move to MVP Track Club would signal the return of another elite sprinter to her former training ground. The double Olympic champion from 2016 and 2020 has had an underwhelming 2024 season, and a fresh start under a familiar system could reignite her career.
Thompson-Herah has not publicly confirmed the move, but the talks have reportedly reached an advanced stage. If she rejoins MVP, it would be a significant shift, bringing one of Jamaica's top athletes back to one of the country's most successful clubs. MVP Track Club has a rich history of producing world-class athletes, and Thompson-Herah's return would add to its legacy of nurturing top-tier talent.
Broadbell, Clayton, and Williams: Who’s Next?
The departures from Elite Performance have not stopped with the two sprinting greats. Rasheed Broadbell, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in the 110m hurdles, has already made his exit and is expected to rejoin MVP Track Club. Broadbell was one of the few shining lights for Elite Performance at the Paris Olympics, where the camp struggled to replicate its past success.
Meanwhile, questions remain about the futures of other prominent athletes like Rushell Clayton, a two-time World Championships bronze medalist in the 400m hurdles, and quarter-miler Stacey-Ann Williams. Both athletes have yet to make their intentions clear, but with the current trend, there is uncertainty surrounding their continued affiliation with the club.
What’s Next for Elite Performance?
The departure of so many high-profile athletes raises serious concerns about the future of Elite Performance under Reynaldo Walcott’s leadership. Established as a top-tier training group with the help of Fraser-Pryce, the club now finds itself in a precarious position, with only a handful of big names left.
Walcott has been a respected figure in Jamaican athletics, and his coaching acumen is unquestionable, but the recent wave of exits may force him to reconsider the club’s direction and strategy moving forward. Elite Performance's lone individual medal at the Paris Olympics, delivered by Broadbell, speaks to a challenging season for the club. The loss of its star athletes will only add to those challenges.
A Shifting Landscape in Jamaican Athletics
The recent movements among Jamaica’s top athletes reflect a shifting landscape in the country’s track and field ecosystem. The MVP Track Club, which had seen several key departures in recent years, seems to be re-establishing itself as a home for the island’s best talent. On the other hand, Elite Performance, once a formidable competitor, now faces an uphill battle to maintain its status as a breeding ground for world-class athletes.
The ongoing exodus from Elite Performance is not just about coaching styles or disagreements—it signals a broader change in the dynamics of Jamaican athletics, where athletes are increasingly seeking environments that can best support their long-term ambitions.
For now, all eyes are on Elaine Thompson-Herah’s next move, as well as the continued career of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, whose influence on the sport remains undiminished despite the challenges she has faced. As these athletes take the next steps in their illustrious careers, the ripple effects will be felt throughout the Jamaican track and field world.