Elaine Thompson, Janieve Russell to Prove Fitness For Rio Olympics By Aug 8
Medal contenders Elaine Thompson and Janieve Russell have reportedly been given until August 8 to prove they are fit enough to compete at the Rio Olympics after receiving medical exemptions from the national trials.
Thompson, the 2015 world 200m silver medallist withdrew from Jamaica’s 200m final with a hamstring concern just two days after registering a scintillating and world leading 10.70 seconds to win the 100 metres.
Russell, a 400 metre hurdler set a season’s best time of 53.96 seconds in Rome in June of this year.
Usain Bolt, Janieve Russell, Elaine Thompson, and Hansle Parchment were all granted medical exemptions at some point during the trials due to injuries as is allowed under JAAA’s selection policy.
Ludlow Watts, the manager of Jamaica’s 59 member track and field delegation, stated that the athletes would be assessed at the team’s pre-Olympic training base in Rio de Janeiro by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association technical committee.
While speaking with The Gleaner he said:
“These athletes have a deadline of Aug. 8 to prove fitness and that will be done with the medical team by the JAAA”.
“They will determine whether the athletes are medically fit to compete and, in terms of preparation, if they are ready to compete in the races.”
Download The Jamaican Blogs™ App for your Android device: HERE
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]