The track and field world was buzzing with anticipation as Jamaica’s reigning sprint sensation Kishane Thompson, made his 2024 outdoor season debut at the Miramar Invitational. However, the highly anticipated return didn’t go as planned, Thompson, anchoring Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team, failed to chase down the Dominican Republic, finishing in 39.11 seconds to their rivals’ 38.95.
Though critics questioned Thompson’s form, Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green defended him, urging fans to remain patient and keep perspective.
One key factor in Jamaica’s loss was the absence of two of their top sprinters—Oblique Seville (9.82s PB) and Ackeem Blake (9.89s PB)—who were competing elsewhere.
“Once you add those two… what are we talking about?” Green pointed out on the Ready Set Go Podcast.
He emphasized that Kishane Thompson was likely easing into competition mode.
“He probably didn’t want to open up fully. Just spinning his legs.”
Gatlin reminded fans that April races are about preparation, not peak performance.
“This is the time when athletes get their feet wet. They’re tweaking things now so they can put it together in May,” he explained.
The 23-year-old Jamaican has had a tumultuous career so far. In 2023, he stunned the world with a 9.77s 100m dash but heartbreak followed after injury struck in Paris. A subsequent hamstring strain forced him to withdraw from the Silesia Diamond League.
This season, Thompson started cautiously with a 6.56-second 60m win at the Astana Indoor Meet—a decent but unspectacular result.
“It’s not perfect. The only perfection is improvement,” he admitted afterward.
If Thompson steps up when it truly counts, fans may forget his Miramar run with Jamaican and World Championships approaching.
“Let that man get himself ready, ”Gatlin’s adviced critics.
For now, the message from track’s most experienced voices is unanimous, don’t judge Kishane Thompson in April. Wait until July.
Kishane Thompson’s next race is at the Jamaica Invitational in May.