The roaring Alexander Stadium is suddenly silent. The eyes of 30,000 spectators were on track and field. The gallery fell silent for 22 seconds and then it was just madness. Chanting ‘Thompson, Thompson’ created a different atmosphere.
Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herath not only won gold in the women’s 200m sprint at the Commonwealth Games on Saturday, setting a new Games record with a time of 22.02 seconds. The 30-year-old star lit up the evening of Birmingham’s traditional stadium. His colorful night was a celebration for all Jamaicans. Because that day was the country’s independence day. The historic day was memorable for Thompson with a personal best in the 200m.
He made new achievements as soon as he got on the track. The Jamaican became the first female sprinter to win the double at the Olympics. Thompson has written a new poem for winning the 100 and 200 meters at the Commonwealth Games. After finishing the race, he looked at the scoreboard and celebrated unabashedly. Floating in the void with the country’s flag in hand.
High-fiving the audience in the gallery, Thompson’s words also showed how confident he was, ‘I came to Birmingham to break the 100m record; But I could not do that. That’s when I decided to do something in 200 meters. After winning the gold, I can now say that the day is historic for me. Not only that, but today (Saturday) we celebrate (Jamaican) Independence Day.’
Faber Ofili and Christian Mboma are 11 years younger than Thompson. Both won silver and bronze respectively. Many feel that they have lost to Thompson’s experience. “When I did badly at the World Championships, I didn’t break down. Because I know there is more running ahead. I never give up.’
