The three-time world champion insists that Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce still have plenty more to offer the world.
Two-time Olympic champion Donovan Bailey believes the Jamaican trio of Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will bounce back stronger this season.
The Jamaican-Canadian legend revealed that injuries slowed them down in the 2024 season but is confident they will be back in 2025, ready to make up for what they lost last season.
Elaine Thompson-Herah was looking forward to defending her Olympic titles in 2024 but had to end her season early and withdraw from the Olympic Games due to an Achilles tendon injury.
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As the athletes look to kickstart their seasons, one question remains: is 2025 the year another sprinter finally gets a hold of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s long-standing world record?
Donovan Bailey further noted that the multiple Olympic champion always peaks during Olympic years but with the uncertainty of the LA 2028 Olympic Games, she will have to ensure she is ready this season.
“Elaine clearly has an Achilles tear so hopefully that could be fixed…Shelly-Ann had injuries at the end of the season. Shericka was also injured. Those are the three fastest women that ever existed on this planet and I’m looking forward to seeing what they are going to do,” Donovan Bailey said.
“The good thing about our sport is that there is a major championship next season, the World Championships and I expect Elaine to come back and be ready for the World Championships in 2025.”
He added that Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is almost retiring and one thing about the Jamaican sprint queen is that she will not exit the stage silently.
Donovan Bailey explained that she has been making waves in the world of sprinting and if she retires at the end of this season, then she will have won a couple of races and stamped authority at the World Championships.
“Shelly-Ann is going to go down swinging so if retirement is on the horizon for her, I’m just saying, if it is, she is going to go down not just as a competitor but she is going to go down swinging. She is going to leave every single thing on the track,” he added.
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As for Shericka Jackson, the three-time world champion revealed she will be out to defend her 200m world title and admitted that her talent is unmatched.
He did not rule out the upcoming Jamaican sprinters including Alana Reid, Tia Clayton and Tina Clayton and explained that they will also be looking to have a share of the cake.
“Shericka has dominated the 100m and the 200m and remember, she also ran the 400m. The injury is what has kept her out but she will be back,” Bailey added.
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“We also have the Clayton twins, Alana Reid and Brianna and you’re probably going to have the greatest list of Jamaican sprinters. They might make their stand this year or in 2026.”
