Thompson-Herah confirms split from MVP Track Club

By Kayon Raynor  

Just over three weeks after denying RGRGLEANER reports that she was preparing to sever ties with the MVP track club and veteran coach Stephen Francis, five-time Olympic gold medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah has now confirmed the split.  

A press release obtained by RJRGLEANER from a member of the sprinter's new team Monday night, indicated she has already started her pre-season preparations for the 2022 season with an eye on securing her first individual gold medal at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.  

"In light of an abundance of requests from my fans and concerned Jamaicans, I want to assure everyone that I have begun my training independently and will continue to do so while I finalise all aspects of my team for the upcoming season," said Thompson-Herah.  

The fastest woman alive with 10.54 seconds over 100m and 21.53 seconds in the 200m, added, "I want to thank everyone for their support and express appreciation to those who have reached out in concern. I remain committed to representing my country and to lead with courage and grace as I am aware that I inspire young women across the world who have dreams and who dare to see those dreams come to pass."  

Only American world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner (10.49 seconds in the 100M and 21.34 in the 200M) has run faster than 29-year-old Thompson-Herah.  

Twenty-six days ago, on September 23, RJRGLEANER reported that Thompson-Herah had written to the MVP track club hierarchy, signalling her intention to cut ties with the club.  

It was also reported that Thompson-Herah's husband, Derron Herah, a coach with the Cameron Blazers set-up and this alma mater St. Jago High School boys team, was expected to take over coaching duties for the two-time double Olympic sprint champion.  

That same day, the 2015 World 200m silver medallist denied the reports, while appearing as a guest of NBC's Brother from Another discussion programme.  

"I am the fastest woman alive so they are going to create some sort of news to distract the world so it's rumours of course," said Thompson-Herah.  

"It's probably because I didn't show up at practice. I am still on my rest period, so maybe they are just speculating why I am not at practice, but I just came back from the international circuit and we normally get like a month's rest and I am in my second week."  

Monday's confirmation of her split from MVP, by Thompson-Herah means she joins two-time Olympic 100m gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, 2008 Olympic 400m hurdle champion Melaine Walker, Kaliese Spencer, Sherone Simpson, Michael Frater and Asafa Powell as star athletes who left the MVP club in less-than-smooth circumstances. 

Thompson-Herah followed up her Rio 2016 Olympic success with gold medals in the 100, 200m and 4x100m at the Tokyo Olympics this summer and lowered her personal best times to 10.54 seconds in the 100m and 21.53 seconds in the 200m.  

Her training camp is expected to remain in Kingston.