Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
“Everything must be done to assist Kemoy,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange.
The Olympian reported on social media that he underwent surgery on the weekend to replace an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in his chest after passing out while driving. He said the new device would also function as a pacemaker.
Minister Grange said she was “relieved that Kemoy was not hurt when he passed out while driving and that the surgery was a success.”
She thanked all those who have been attending to the athlete and said the Ministry “stands ready to assist him.”
Minister Grange said Campbell was covered under the Jamaica Athletes Insurance Plan — which provides health, life and personal accident coverage — and he is entitled to use it to deal with medical expenses.
Under the Group Health component of the Plan, Campbell can get 80 per cent coverage for hospital fees. Minister Grange said the Ministry would assist him with the balance if required.
“We continue to pray for Kemoy’s recovery and will do what is necessary to assist him at this time,” Minister Grange said.
Campbell, who retired from track and field last September, seven months after collapsing at the Millrose Games in New York, was fitted with a new ICD. However, the new one will act as a pacemaker.
“This is because, in order to give me medication for arrhythmias, my heart rate needs to beat faster. They are hoping this will help prevent any further incident,” Campbell posted on Instagram below a picture of him in a hospital bed.
Campbell was driving on Tuesday when he began to pass out. Fortunately, his ICD provided an electrical shock that got his heart beating again allowing him to pull over and call emergency services.
However, he is not out of the woods just yet, as he says he needs help in covering the expenses related to his surgery and medical care.
“Unfortunately, I am going to need everyone’s help again as the medical expenses will be high once again. If there is anything you can give it would really mean a lot,” said the Jamaican Olympian.
“Thank you for all the support I have received and all of the generosity. It really means a lot.”
You can donate to Kemoy’s cause at www.gofundme/f/67e5h-kemoy-campbell-support-fund
This according to MVP International on its website today.
Since then, the 2018 CAC champion has been suffering from back pain, which was addressed Friday. Doctors expect her to make a full recovery in about four weeks and are optimistic about her return for the 2021 season.
The athlete is said to be in good spirits.
Smith was sixth in the 100m final in Doha in 2019 after being called in as a replacement for Briana Williams.
Dacres, who has already qualified for the Olympic Games, revealed his wrist in a cast on social media after reportedly undergoing surgery on the weekend while announcing that he had started his own YouTube channel.
With the rescheduled 2020 Olympic set to run from July 23 to August 8, 2021, a mere eight months away, Dacres could be hard-pressed to be healthy in time as there is the chance that his repaired wrist could take as long as six months to heal. There is chance, however, that he could be fully healed before then.
His coach, Julian Robinson is optimistic that the 2018 Commonwealth champion and national record holder will be able to recover in time.
“There is some physical work that we can do on the intervening period. We will try and maximize that,” he said.
“However, the throwing part will have to start after he has recovered. When that is, I don’t know. Time will tell. I am praying that its sooner rather than later.”
The affable 26-year-old is Jamaica’s most successful thrower. He became the first Jamaican to win a World Championship medal when he claimed silver in Doha in 2019. In 2018, perhaps his most successful year as a professional athlete, Dacres won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and the NACAC Championships in Toronto, Canada.
He is the 2015 Pan Am Games champion and has a national record of 70.78m set in Rabat on July 16 2019. He is the only Jamaican to ever throw 70m in the men’s discus.
