Elaine Thompson-Herah: 5 things you need to know about her family

Five-time Olympic champion Thompson-Herah has become a household name in athletics, celebrated as the fastest woman alive.

As the Jamaican sprinter prepares for her 2024 Olympicdebut, her family’s unwavering support has been central to her success.

Here are five fascinating facts about Elaine Thompson-Herah’s family and the role they have played in shaping her remarkable journey.

Elaine inherited her love for running from her father, Keith Thompson, who was a skilled runner in his school days.

Keith often reminisces about his youthful days of outrunning peers, saying, “Mi usually run in school. Di big bwoy dem couldn’t gi mi trouble, mi always run dem dung.”

This athletic foundation inspired Elaine to pursue her dreams. Despite the family’s modest income, Keith has been a constant cheerleader for his daughter.

Today, he runs a barbershop in Mandeville, Manchester, and beams with pride, claiming Elaine got her speed from him.

Rose Richard, Elaine’s mother, is the backbone of the family.

While Keith supported Elaine’s athletic aspirations, Rose focused on raising the family in Banana Ground, a low-income area in Manchester Parish.

Elaine credits her mother for instilling values of perseverance and discipline. Rose continues to stay out of the spotlight but remains one of Elaine’s biggest supporters.

Elaine’s grandmother, Gloria Thompson, played a pivotal role in her upbringing.

Gloria cared for Elaine from the time she was seven months old, fostering her early love for running.

She would send Elaine on errands to the post office or shop, which Elaine saw as opportunities to practice sprinting.

Gloria is not just a caretaker but also Elaine’s loudest supporter.

During the Tokyo Olympics, she excitedly shouted, “Let it go gal, let it go gal!” Her faith and encouragement have been a source of strength for Elaine throughout her career.

The Thompson-Herah family hails from Banana Ground, a rural and economically challenged area in Manchester Parish.

Despite their financial struggles, the family maintained a strong bond and shared an unshakable belief in Elaine’s potential.

This humble upbringing has kept Elaine grounded even as she’s reached the pinnacle of athletic success.

Before her historic performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Elaine faced a serious Achilles tendon injury that threatened her career.

During this challenging time, her parents and grandmother provided the emotional and moral support she needed to persevere.

Gloria, in particular, remained optimistic, constantly praying and encouraging Elaine to overcome the odds.

Their collective support fueled Elaine’s comeback, culminating in three gold medals and a record-breaking 10.61-second finish in the 100 meters.