Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson (© Laszlo Zsigmond)
In 2023, a young sprinter appeared on the scene at the Jamaican Championships, leaving many spectators spellbound after the first heat of the men’s 100m. Competing from lane eight, the powerful MVP athlete effortlessly won his race in 9.91. This was Kishane Thompson’s grand introduction to the world.
A coaching decision meant he didn’t return for the semifinals, but Thompson re-emerged on the Wanda Diamond League circuit, chalking impressive results including a PB of 9.85 in Xiamen in September. He closed his season with a fourth-place finish in the Diamond League final in Eugene, clocking 9.87.
Fast forward to 2024 and the 23-year-old has emerged as a frontrunner for Olympic gold in Paris after his victory in a world-leading 9.77 at the Jamaican Olympic trials at the end of June.
That performance followed times of 9.82 in the heats and 9.84 in the semifinals, and Thompson now sits joint ninth on the world all-time list.
Less than two weeks later, at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Hungary, Thompson effortlessly cruised to a 9.91 win, beating a strong field including world silver medallist Letsile Tebogo and two-time Olympic finalist Akani Simbine.
Kishane Thompson on his way to a 100m win in Szekesfehervar (© Laszlo Zsigmond)
“This year is the best I’ve ever been health-wise,” Thompson said after his performance in Kingston.
“Running the three rounds at this championship has helped me better understand my body and the sport. I was never short on confidence, but I believe I have much more to do as I can run way faster. Deep down, I look forward to some great competition and nice vibes from the top sprinters.”
From Mitchell Town to Paris
Thompson – known for his quiet and respectful but playful demeanour, as well as his remarkable intelligence – was mentored by Dennis May and nurtured by coaches Oliver Heywood and the late Neville Myton at Garvey Maceo High School after transferring from Bustamante High School. Myton, the former legendary Jamaican middle-distance runner with a penchant for spotting talent just by looking at their smile, predicted in 2018 that Thompson would become one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Myton also predicted that Veronica Campbell-Brown would achieve success from a young age.
Due to a combination of factors, including shin splints, hamstring injuries and the Covid pandemic, Thompson was unable to fully showcase his talent at Jamaica’s premier high school event, the renowned ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships.
After graduating high school, Thompson made a decision that spoke volumes about his character and strong emphasis on the importance of family. He declined an overseas scholarship to Iowa Western Community College because he did not want to be away from his fraternal twin brother, Kishaun. They both wear a special amulet that symbolises their love, motivation and inspiration for each other. His personal quirk is kissing it before settling in the blocks.
Kishane Thompson (left) races in the Diamond League final in Eugene (© Getty Images)
Affectionately called ‘Bigga’, Thompson was scouted in 2019 by coach Paul Francis, who arranged for him to receive a scholarship to the University of Technology. He is currently studying for his bachelor's degree in sports management. Outside the lecture theatres, Thompson is under the expert tutelage of the Francis brothers, Paul and Stephen, at the MVP club in Jamaica.
Most sprinters have one of two qualities: a strong start or finish. However, Thompson is unique in possessing both. His other qualities include height, explosive power, aggression and a strong determination to succeed, all of which point to a future filled with excitement and success.
Thompson comes from the quiet fishing community of Mitchell Town in the parish of Clarendon, which was recently devastated by the powerful hurricane Beryl. As Thompson’s family and the other villagers patiently put their lives back together, they will take a brief pause, lasting just under 10 seconds, to mark a moment that could bring positive news to their community on 4 August.
Having not yet floored the accelerator, Thompson has given experts some homework to figure out how fast he can go. The Olympic Games in Paris will be the real test, and all the guesswork will be laid to rest.
Noel Francis for World Athletics
