Andi Sports Management released an official announcement on their Instagram account on Monday regarding a noteworthy development in Elaine Thompson-Herah’s career.
They revealed that Thompson-Herah will now receive training from Coach Reynaldo Walcott of Elite Performance Track Club, the same coach that worked with her fellow compatriot, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce.
🚨BREAKING🚨
Elaine Thompson-Herah will be coached by Reynaldo Walcott at the Elite Performance Track Club
This is the same training group that Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce trains
(Via andisportsmanagement/IG) pic.twitter.com/6EPBhdj9oy
— RoriDunk (@FitzDunk) November 20, 2023
Her management additionally conveyed that the five-time Olympian expressed her profound gratitude to her supporters, recognized the support they gave during the transition, and reiterated her resolve to defend the Olympic titles she so deservedly won.
Thompson-Herah’s split with coach
Last October, the world witnessed several track and field athletes switch coaches, such as Dina Asher-Smith, Laviai and Lina Nielsen, and Kristal Awuah. Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and eight-time World Champion, weighed in on the trend, suggesting that athletes may be making the switch for either ‘smart’ or ‘not-so-smart’ reasons.
Smart reasons included the athlete’s need for a new training environment, non-functioning relationships, and conflicts regarding training and techniques. Conversely, non-smart reasons included seeking a coach who can work miracles, looking for a coach who looks like a better fit, and getting bad results without understanding why.
In the case of Thompson-Herah, however, her cause doesn’t match up with any of the factors Johnson mentioned.
In a piece that appeared in The Guardian, her coach, Shanikie Osbourne, reportedly sought “excessive” compensation and refused to engage in negotiations with her management. Consequently, Thompson-Herah and her management made the decision to sever their relationship and look for a different trainer.
Although Obsourne had only been the full-time coach of the Jamaican sprinter since the summer, when she replaced Derron Herah, a former sprinter and Thompson-Herah’s husband, her impact had been undeniable as she helped the 31-year-old finish the sprinting season with a bang.
Paris Olympics
Thompson-Herah is expected to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The games will begin on July 26 and conclude on August 11.
Cover Photo: IG