Kishane Thompson Says “I have a lot to improve on” After Historic 100m National Trials Win – Watch Interview
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While some have expressed doubt about Jamaica’s sprint future and prospects at the upcoming Olympics, rising stars like Kishane Thompson have reinvigorated local track and field fans ahead of the highly anticipated event.
The JA/Puma National Senior and Junior Championships, also known as the National Trials, came to a close on Friday, with Kishane Thompson participating in his first meet of the year. MVP Track Club coach Stephen Francis had promised surprises from his athletes, and Thompson definitely delivered during the 100m final.
The finals saw the 22-year-old face off with 23-year-old Oblique Seville, who had beaten American top sprinter Noah Lyles at the Racers Grand Prix just a few weeks earlier. The sprinters kicked off the race shoulder-to-shoulder, with Thompson in lane six and Seville in lane five.
Seville, who had a good start, held a slight edge over Thompson at the beginning of the race but was outpaced by Thompson, who maintained his lead to win the event in 9.77s (+0.9). Seville claimed second place in 9.82s, the same time he ran to beat Lyles.
Following his race, a triumphant Thompson first located Coach Francis to shake his hand and was then congratulated by his mother, Grace Allen. The proud mom showered her son with praise as well as hugs and was so excited that Thompson joked that she was out of breath as if she had just raced.
In addition to his new world lead time, Thompson’s win on Friday has also made him the ninth fastest man in history. Despite the historic win, Thompson said, “I have a lot to improve on… physically and mentally,” before detailing that he has some “technicalities” to work on.
Post race Thompson discussed the challenges he faced going into the trials. According to the athlete, who has struggled with injuries in the past, Francis advised him to not push himself too hard during the race as qualifying was enough.
Thompson also spoke on his controversial drug testing during the event which caused him to get less than adequate rest going into the final on Friday. “we understand if it’s the final,” says the young sprinter as he expressed dissatisfaction about the surprised test.
Watch Thompson’s interview below.
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