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It was a sure hit for Jamaica on the podium with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in second and Shericka Jackson in bronze.
On a hot and humid night in Tokyo, Thompson-Herah broke 33-year-old Florence Griffith Joyner’s Olympic record of 10.62 while defending the Olympic title she won in 2016.
The celebrations began before she even crossed the line, pointing at her left arm and screaming in joy.
Was Griffith Joyner’s world record of 10.49 a possibility? “Most definitely if I didn’t celebrate,” Thompson-Herah told reporters, and when asked again about the world record, she adds, “I’m still working, it’s a work in progress… Everything is possible.”
The victory was the 29-year-old’s third Olympic gold medal, adding to her 100m and 200m titles in Rio five years ago and emulating the feat of compatriot Fraser-Pryce of 2008 and 2012 successfully defend the title over 100 m.
Another Jamaican, Usain Bolt, has won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 100m, and Thompson-Herah now has the chance to do the same in Paris in three years.
“Behind that 10.6 was a lot of nerves, and I said, ‘You can do it, you’ve been here before, run it,’” she said.
“I’m older. I’m only 29, I’m not 30, I’m not 40. I’m still working.”
With fans kept away from Olympic events in Tokyo amid the pandemic, the final took place in the nearly empty area of the 68,000-seat Olympic Stadium.
As the athletes were presented before the race, the stadium lights were turned off and the track was illuminated with the names of each competitor – a dazzling start to the race which, given the quick times achieved in the heats and halfs. finals, promised a great drama. .
He duly delivered as Thompson-Herah was neck-and-neck with Fraser-Pryce midway through before moving away into the finals.
Reigning world champion Fraser-Pryce – who clocked 10.74 – now has two gold, one silver and one bronze in the 100m over four Olympics, while Jackson – third in 10.76 – adds Rio’s silver and bronze to her 4x400m.
Asked about the celebrations that will likely ensue in Jamaica, Fraser-Pryce said: “I hope they don’t defy the curfew orders, but I’m sure it will be remarkable to have three of our ladies. on the podium like we did in 2008, it’s amazing.
“I hope they celebrate with a lot of positive energy, and they celebrate each of the athletes and continue to support us. There is a long way to go – we have the 200m and the 4x100m.”
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