Schippers Admits To "Bad" Relationship With Elaine Thompson

[Sharingbuttons]2015 World 200-metres champion Dafne Schippers has admitted to having a cold relationship with Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson. The Dutchwoman and the Jamaican share perhaps one of the fiercest rivalries in track and field and it has seemingly worked against them being friendly to each other.

In a recent interview, Schippers was asked to comment on her relationship with the high-flying Jamaican and it was not surprising that her response hinted at nothing more than muscled politeness.

‘It’s very bad’, Schippers is reported to have said. ‘I don’t know why. Maybe because we are both big talents. If she says “Hi” I will say “Hi”. I am more of an easy person. With the European athletes I can have fun with them. I am an easy person to talk to. If she won’t do that, then OK’, Schippers added in the interview excerpts of which appeared in an article by Adam Crafton for The Daily Mail.

‘My mood was not great after Rio. I came for Gold and didn’t get it……..There is always the next Gold. Starting in London!’. Thompson may once again stand in her way, at least in the 100m.

When Schippers won the world title in Beijing in 2015, she ran Thompson down to cross the line in 21.63, the third fastest time ever by a woman. Thompson was timed in 21.66s, the fifth fastest time ever.

At the Olympic Games in Rio a year later, Thompson turned the tables on her Dutch rival, winning the Olympic 200m title in 21.78s to Schippers 21.88. Thompson (10.71) also won the 100m, a race in which Schippers was fifth in 10.90.

The two are expected to meet next month in the final of the 100m at the IAAF World Championships in London where Elaine Thompson is the overwhelming favourite to claim her first 100m world title.