“Special to bring this trophy back to the Caribbean” – Elaine Thompson-Hera named 2022 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year

Follow

Share

In 2021, Elaine Thompson-Hera claimed the World Female Athlete of the Year Award at the Athletic Awards. She also ran 10.54 for 100m and 21.53 in 200m The Jamaican runner has had an incredible 2022 as well, becoming the first woman ever to successfully defend the 100m and 200m Olympic titles, additionally picking up a third gold in the women’s 4 x 100m with her teammates. She also ran a record-breaking 10.61 seconds 100m finals time, which is the second-fastest time in history.

“I know that Usain Bolt has won the Laureus Awards before, so to bring this trophy back home to the Caribbean, also in Jamaica, is very special,” the 29-year-old said.

“I told myself that I wanted to be the greatest female sprinter”

“I have watched that 100m race about a thousand times now. I would say I am very, very proud, but I cannot dwell on the past. Even though it’s very special, it’s memories,” she gushed. Thompson-Hera was named Sportswoman of the year from a list of six other nominees, including sprinter Allyson Felix of the United States.

Also Read: “Feels good to be back”- Elaine Hera Thompson clocks fastest women’s 100m run of 2022

She continued “I cannot just sit and say “Ok, I’m a double Olympic champion, I’m a five-time Olympic gold medalist. I have to continue working because my motivation is to be even better. I told myself that I want to be the greatest female sprinter, so I am just going to focus on what the future holds for me”.

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen also joined Thompson-Herah in leading the award winners as the recipient of the Sportsman of the Year award. Olympic triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas and Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra were among the nominees for the Breakthrough Award, won by tennis star Emma Raducanu.

Also Read: “They’re both capable”: Ato Boldon places bet on Elaine Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce to break 100m World record