The first initiative to be undertaken will be a treat to be held in her home community in Banana Ground in Manchester on Saturday, December 18, when because of restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, care packages will be distributed from booths to children in the community.
Helping children from less fortunate circumstances has always been a goal for Thompson-Herah, one of Jamaica’s most decorated female Olympians. “Elaine is especially passionate about this,” said her husband Deron, while speaking with Sportsmax.TV on Monday.
Herah also revealed that initially, the targeted approach was geared towards helping only teenage girls, 13 and older, who are at risk of teenage pregnancy, abuse and who might be suffering from depression and other mental illnesses triggered by the ongoing pandemic. However, after careful thought, they decided to broaden their reach to include at-risk teenage boys as well, as some are at real risk of dropping out of school and getting drawn into gangs and other nefarious pursuits.
With this in mind, the FastElaine Foundation plans to assist with material things like providing school supplies and introducing a feeding programme while critically providing emotional support in the form of counselling for those affected.
Much of this will be achieved through partnerships with a number of international foundations. Herah disclosed that they are in discussions with the United Kingdom-based The Prince’s Trust and Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) which is based in New York.
The FastElaine Foundation is also being backed by Thompson-Herah’s own sponsors, Nike, National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Telecommunications company Flow. Thompson-Herah will also contribute to the resources from the proceeds from the meets in which she competes.
Herah revealed that the process of selecting people to sit on the foundation’s board is ongoing and is expected to be completed before the official launch set for January 2022. “We are putting qualified persons in place to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the foundation so that 100 years from now it will still be helping people,” he said.
Thompson-Herah took home three gold medals from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan where she won the 100m in an Olympic record of 10.61 and the 200m in a national record of 21.53, the second-fastest time in history. She was also a member of Jamaica's 4x100m that won in a national record 41.02.
Following the Olympics, she ran three more times under 10.70, the first woman ever to do so and in the process, lowered her own personal best when she ran 10.54s to win the 100m at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. It was the second-fastest time ever run by a woman. Only Florence Griffith-Joyner's 10.49 is faster.
With a record five 100m world titles and two Olympic blue-ribbon titles to her name, Fraser-Pryce is part of a golden era of Jamaican sprinters that includes illustrious figures like Usain Bolt, Melaine Walker, Veronica Campbell Brown and many more.
Her journey from a young girl in Waterhouse to a global athletics icon is a testament to the power of determination and talent.
"It definitely feels good, I think for me, especially coming from, you know, Waterhouse, a young girl who didn't, you know, know where she would end up in the future," Fraser-Pryce shared in an interview with Black Enterprise.
"But to be able to be one of the icons of our country is really phenomenal. And being able to give inspiration to other young girls who are coming from similar situations as I was, or even now, being able to relate to where I'm at on my journey, whether it's on motherhood, age, or a lot of things. So being able to drive that, you know, here in my hometown, being able to say that I'm homegrown, being able to say that."
Fraser-Pryce's success has not only made her a sporting legend but also a hometown hero. She acknowledges the support of the people of Jamaica, saying, "A lot of who I am is because of the people of Jamaica and how much they have poured into me, and their support has always been so constant."
Representing her country and community fills her with immense pride, knowing that she carries their hopes and dreams with her on the world stage.
Being part of Jamaica's golden era of track and field athletes has driven Fraser-Pryce to continuously raise the bar.
"I think that helps us to elevate who we are as a country and as women when we step on the line to know that we have such a rich history when it comes to track and field," she stated. It motivates her to give her all, showcasing the strength and prowess of Jamaican athletes to the world.
Despite being a small island nation, Fraser-Pryce firmly believes that Jamaica's athletes have made a significant impact. "You always want to make sure that we, you know, we show up, and I show up, and being able to put our country first because we understand what limited resources mean," she said. Fraser-Pryce wants to inspire young athletes in Jamaica that greatness can be achieved even on their home turf with the right mindset and determination.
"We're little, but we tallawah," Fraser-Pryce emphasized. "It's not about the size but the punch. So we're able to really make a statement globally, and we're really appreciative of all that we've been able to accomplish."
The suspension of the hearing was communicated in a letter received by Tracey's legal team on Wednesday, June 19. The letter, issued by the Chairman of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's (JAAA) disciplinary committee, stated: "The Chairman of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's disciplinary committee has further reviewed the complaint against him and decided that the matter be adjourned sine die."
Tracey faces charges for two breaches of the JAAA's disciplinary policy following his public criticism of the selection process for Jamaica's 4x100m relay team at the World Championships in Budapest last year.
His allegations, made in a 15-minute YouTube video in August 2023, accused Maurice Wilson, the technical director of Jamaica's delegation to the World Athletics Championships, of “bias” and “favouritism.” Tracey claimed Wilson favoured Kadrian Goldson, a sprinter from GC Foster College, where Wilson serves as principal, for the relay team despite Goldson not qualifying through the National Championships.
Tracey finished fifth in the men's 100m final at those championships, while Goldson placed seventh. According to established protocol, the top six finishers are typically selected for the relay pool. In his video, Tracey alleged a pattern of such behaviour by Wilson and labelled him "a very evil and vindictive person."
The fallout from Tracey's video was immediate and severe. He reported that after discussing the issue with reporters in Budapest, he was approached by Security Liaison Officer Steve McGregor, who informed him that his accreditation would be withdrawn and he would be asked to leave the team village.
Wilson, responding to Tracey's accusations, described them as “libellous and defamatory.” He stated, “My family is coming under attack on social media. The posts are out there. There is no way I will not have to seek redress in reference to my reputation. Track and field is a part of what I do. I’m also involved with youngsters that I mentor and try to assist so there is no way that I can allow this to just be a passing fire.”
The disciplinary hearing was initially set for over a week ago but was postponed until June 25, two days before the start of the Jamaica National Championships on June 27, where the team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be selected. With the hearing now suspended indefinitely, the situation remains unresolved, leaving Tracey's immediate athletic future in limbo.
Pinnock, a two-time NCAA champion from the University of Arkansas, narrowly missed out on the gold in Budapest despite an impressive world-leading leap of 8.54m in the preliminary round and another outstanding jump of 8.50m in the final. Greek athlete Miltiádis Tentóglou clinched the gold with a mark of 8.52m on the final jump of the competition.
Undeterred by the near miss, Pinnock is channeling his energy into becoming Jamaica's first-ever Olympic long jump gold medallist. The 25-year-old athlete has been diligently working with his coach, Travis Geopfert, focusing on technical aspects and sprinting improvements.
“In practice me and (coach Travis Geopfert) we are working on some, you know, technical stuff, and coming from last season to this season I have seen numerous improvements with my sprinting, and I am 25 per cent stronger. So we keep on working. And I told him that ‘you know coach, like something special coming this year for sure, and we just going to go for it,’” said Pinnock.
With a combination of patience, humility, and faith, Pinnock believes that the right time for his extraordinary performance is approaching. Reflecting on his experience in Budapest, where Tentóglou's final jump snatched the gold from his grasp, Pinnock acknowledges the Greek athlete's skill but is determined to claim victory in Paris.
“I knew he would have jumped far based on his first six pushes out of the back of his approach. When I saw it, I was like, yes, that's the one. So I saw him take off the board and I was like, yeah, that was a solid jump. But I never expected, expected to be that far. But he's a competitor, he's an Olympic champion and you got to pay a little respect; but you know for sure, I'm coming.”
The setback in Budapest has only fueled Pinnock's desire to improve further. He plans to get back to the drawing board, working hard, and coming back stronger for the Olympics. Training has been rigorous, but Pinnock is unwavering in his dedication to greatness.
"Honestly, I’ll just get back to the drawing board. Keep on working hard and come again for Olympics. Training has been going good, and also it's been very gruesome; it's been hard. I just been putting in the work. I'm in the gym doing my own stuff, that makes you great, and I'm gonna continue doing what I'm doing,” affirmed Pinnock.
The talented long jumper anticipates his return to competitive action sometime in February, setting the stage for what he believes will be a spectacular and victorious performance at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
The 23-year-old Jamaican has been making significant waves in the track and field world with his impressive performances on both international and collegiate stages. Pinnock led the world in 2023 with a lifetime best of 8.54m and secured the silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. His collegiate accolades include being the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Champion and winning Indoor titles for the Razorbacks in 2022 and 2024.
Previously, Pinnock was signed to PUMA through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal, allowing him to balance his academic commitments with his professional aspirations. However, his recent decision to turn pro marks a significant shift, as he now fully dedicates himself to his athletic career.
"I'm incredibly grateful and humbled to be signing with PUMA as a professional athlete," Pinnock said. "This is a dream come true for me, and I'm excited to represent the brand at the highest level."
Pinnock's excitement for his new professional chapter is palpable, and he is confident that PUMA's support will be instrumental in his future successes. "I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my career, and I'm confident that with PUMA's support, I'll be able to achieve great things in the world of track and field. I'm ready to put in the work and make Jamaica and my fans proud," he added.
With his signing, Pinnock joins the ranks of elite professional athletes sponsored by PUMA. His presence is expected to be a significant asset in the brand's marketing efforts moving forward, solidifying PUMA's commitment to supporting top-tier athletic talent.
“Lost for words. These past two years out of college, I wanted to run track and field professionally. Two years later I am Adidas athlete,” Bailey said in his post.
The younger brother of Jamaican Olympian icon Veronica Campbell-Brown, Bailey enjoyed perhaps his most successful season. In May, he ran a personal best 44.43 to win at the Drake Relays defeating the 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James and then won his first national title at the Jamaica National Championships in July.
In winning the national title, Bailey defeated Antonio Watson, who would go on to win the 400m at the championships in Budapest. Bailey made it to the final where he finished fifth in 44.96. An injury prevented him from participating in the 4x400m relay. His presence was missed as Jamaica finished fourth.
However, he has had his fair share of injuries which have hampered his progress and at one point had him thinking about giving up.
“The journey has not been an easy one by any means. I wanted to give up so many times because I felt as if I was not good enough. I stuck with it and I’m here to tell anyone out there chasing a goal that it is possible. It’s not a cliché, work hard and dedicate yourself.”
He expressed gratitude to his management team, OntrackManagement, “for believing in me and working with me through all my rough patches. I am grateful to have you all by my side.” He also thanked his coaxh Mickael Hanany for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to lean every day. “We have a lot more work to get done,” he said.
The 2019 World Championship sprint-relay gold medalist, who recently celebrated her 27th birthday ran 7.50 in the preliminary round before winning the final in 7.35. The MVP International sprinter held off the fast-finishing Dominique Clarke, who ran 7.38 for second.
Third was Smith’s MVP teammate Kasheika Cameron, who crossed the finish line in 7.58.
It was a welcome return to competition for the 2018 CAC 100m champion who has been plagued by injury over the past two seasons and who ran only three 100m races in 2022 at the Jamaica National Championships in June.
Meanwhile, Michael Campbell also of MVP International won the men’s equivalent in 6.71 as he continues his return from a broken back suffered during a motorvehicle accident in 2017 that claimed the life of his friend Jordon Scott.
Campbell won in a close finish with Ethan Exilhomme, who was timed in 6.73.
Bryan Sosoo was third in 6.85.
In the Men’s 400m, Akeem Bloomfield, who is now a member of the Puma Chase Athletics Training Group after a year at Tumbleweed in Florida, finished second to Wellington Ventura in a tight finish.
Ventura clocked 47.10 to Bloomfield’s 47.11.
Shevioe Reid was third in 47.21.
