DOWN BUT NOT OUT
Jamaica still hopeful for women’s 4x100 despite key withdrawals
PARIS, France — While confirming that two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and reigning 200m world champion Shericka Jackson will not compete in the 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games in Paris, Ian Kelly, chef de mission of the Jamaican team, remains confident the country will do well in the event.
“The truth is that I can confirm that we do have a 4x100m relay team, and as we speak the team is currently in preparation to ensure that we compete in the best way on race day,” Kelly said. “Yes, Shelly-Ann and Shericka are out but we brought in Kemba [Nelson] this week, and we have other athletes within the pool. We are doing the necessary [things] to ensure that the experience and strength that those two super athletes would have brought to the team are represented well for our country.”
Along with Nelson, the other members of the Jamaica 4x100m relay pool are Alana Reid, Tia Clayton, and Shashalee Forbes.
“There are also other members of the 200m programme running this afternoon that can add some depth,” Kelly said. “Jamaica may be hurt with respect to injuries but we are certainly not out.”
Fraser-Pryce pulled out of the semi-finals of the women’s 100m on Saturday due to injury while Jackson, the reigning national sprint double champion, also withdrew from the 100m and 200m competitions.
Jamaica are the defending 4x100m relay champions, having won the title in 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. That team included Fraser-Pryce, Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Briana Williams.
Kelly says he has been advised by the Jamaican coaching staff that the team has been preparing well for the event, and they are optimistic about producing a good performance in the competition.
“Based on the advice I have received from the technical management of the team, I am sure that these athletes will represent,” he said. “They are Jamaicans; they know the history of our country and they know how well we have done in the past with respect to the 4x100m relays. I know for sure that — based on that legacy and history, and with these really good young athletes — they will represent well. I know the coaches are preparing them so that they can do what is required, and I will say: ‘Come race day, we will see what happens.’ “
The heats of the women’s 4x100m relay are scheduled to begin on Thursday at 4:10 am Jamaica time.
