Following the news that Kishane Thompson and Tia Clayton will not compete at the upcoming World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, coach Stephen Francis revealed that the Jamaican will miss the Championships due to a ‘slight injury’.
News broke on Wednesday that both Thompson and Clayton were unlisted from the Road to Nanjing portal by World Athletics. A week before the highly anticipated meet is set to take place from March 21-23.
Wednesday evening, TVJ conducted an interview with renowned coach Stephen Francis, who provided insights into Thompson’s absence. According to Francis, the 23-year-old Olympic silver medallist recently suffered a minor training injury, prompting the decision to withdraw him from the competition.
“He suffered a slight medical, usual training issue and so therefore we decided for such an issue he’s going to require a couple days rest, but that means that he won’t be in proper shape to compete, so we say well, since he can’t be at the best he is now, it makes no sense for him to compete,” Francis explained.
What is Kishane Thompson’s Injury?
Francis further stated that, “It’s a slight incident happened in training interms of his ankle or shin, he should be aright in a couple days, there is nothing to be alarmed about.”
While Thompson’s withdrawal is injury-related, the reason behind Tia Clayton’s absence remains unclear. Coach Francis did not elaborate on why the young sprinter would not be participating in the championships.
The news comes as a disappointment to many, especially after Francis had initially announced in February that both athletes would make their indoor championship debuts in Nanjing. The decision generated excitement among Jamaican track and field enthusiasts, given the duo’s impressive performances early in the season.
Thompson showcased his blistering speed in January by clocking a personal best of 6.48 seconds over 60m, despite running into a -2.1 m/s headwind at the Central Hurdles, Relays & Field Events Meet at GC Foster College in St. Catherine.
On the other hand, Clayton also demonstrated class, setting a personal best of 7.14 seconds in the 60m after a poor start in the race.
Learn more about Kishane’s injury in the interview by Francis below:
