As with the men’s version of this race, some of history’s fastest women are currently competing. Though not quite as deep as the men as only ten of the top thirty all time are competing right now. However among them are three of the top four! Including a two time Olympic champion and a two time World champion. That said, trying to determine the Paris medalists may not be as simple as some might think. It’s a small pool, but a strong pool. Let’s take a look at the principles and you’ll begin to understand.
Shericka Jackson, Jamaica, 21.41 – After failing to make the Olympic final in Tokyo, Shericka has become the dominant athlete in this event. She’s won the last two World titles, and run five races under 21.60. No one has ever been as consistently fast as she has been. That includes FloJo, Evelyn, Merlene and Allyson. She’s the female equivalent of Noah Lyles. A bad race for her, is a good race for almost anyone else.
Elaine Thompson Herah, Jamaica, 21.53 – Elaine is the defending Olympic champion, having won both the 2016 and 2021 gold medals. However, as I stated in my 100m review, Elaine has had difficulty in off seasons. However, she began to look back to peak Elaine at the end of 2023. So if she’s indeed Olympic year Elaine, the podium is not safe. That includes Shericka.
Gabby Thomas, United States, 21.60 – Gabby emerged in the last Olympic season. Running fast and eventually winning bronze. Then she got hurt and just missed making the World squad the following season. She rehabbed and returned in ’23 to take silver in Budapest. So we know that a healthy Gabby is a medal threat. She tends to do her best in major meets. The real question is, can she press early, because she can’t afford to let Shericka or Elaine get too far ahead early.
Abby Steiner, United States, 21.77 – Abby was the dominant 200m sprinter during early 2022. Breaking indoor collegiate and American records. Then going outdoors and smashing that record, on her way to taking the US title. Running over fifty races – including short and long relays – took its toll however. Causing her to finish off the podium in Eugene. She started hot indoors again in 2023, before succumbing to injury outdoors. She finished the season with surgery and a boot. So she’s another who’s health could decide her fate. However, when healthy she’s a beast, with perhaps the best 400m strength of the top female sprinters.
Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce, Jamaica, 21.79 – The 100m queen, Shelly Ann has made finals and medaled here off and on. She’s said that she won’t be running this event in 2024, BUT shouldn’t be overlooked until the Jamaican Trials are done. If she decides to run here, she’s another potential medal threat.
Dina Asher Smith, Britain, 21.88 – Dina has shown flashes of potential here. Actually winning the World title in 2019, but doing little else. In part because she’s somewhat injury prone. In part because her performances are just outside of the top group. Healthy she is a potential finalist. She’s come to the United States to train. In an effort to get to the next level. We’ll see if that helps.
Jenna Prandini, United States, 21.89 – Jenna is another potential finalist, should she make the US team. However. Jenna is in season two of her change to Bobby Kersee. So while she showed no improvement this year. That could change in year two. If that happens, she could become a podium threat.
Sha’Carri Richardson, United States, 21.92 – Sha’Carri showed that she can be a threat at this distance. Running some very fast windy times, including 21.61w. She made the US squad and took bronze at Worlds. The question with Sha’Carri is, can she run as fast without wind and become a medal threat in Paris.
Mujinga Kambundji, Switzerland, 22.05 – Kambundji is a highly competitive sprinter that took bronze in 2022. She had a down year in ’23, but if she’s back to form this coming season, I expect her to run well in Paris.
Favour Ofili, Nigeria, 21.96 – Ofili looked ready to become elite in 2022, but had to face Steiner repeatedly as both competed in the SEC.
To be honest, while Shericka has not let anyone get near her for the past two years. That could be more difficult in Paris. Elaine has been here before, and Abby is a fierce competitor. I expect this will be one of histories toughest sprint finals.
Tags: Jackson, Richardson, Steiner, Thomas, Thompson