12 seconds.
That’s about the longest a professional track and field sprinter will be on the track racing during a competition.
In 12 seconds history can be made, dreams have a chance to be fulfilled and hearts are broken.
Track and Field is an individual sport. Each athlete is responsible for every loss, every upset and every win. This makes every moment so much more passionate and important. Like every sport, professional track and field has had long standing rivalries that push athletes to their limits and make each athlete want that beautiful gold medal just a little bit more. The most notable of those rivalries is the competition between American and Jamaican runners. For decades now, competitors from these two countries have battled closely and hard for first place.
The USA has long been known and recognized for its astounding athletes. Not many in the world are willing and able to compete successfully against USA’s runners. But Jamaica stands out. For decades now, Jamaican runners have gone head to head with Americans in a fight fueled by national pride, tradition, and athletic culture.
The Paris summer Olympics 2024 showcased this rivalry in one of the closest men’s 100 meter dash races in Olympic history. USA’s Noah Lyles won gold after a neck and neck finish with Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson. The race was so close that announcers actually stated, or assumed, that Thompson had won the race before results were posted, and ended up being incorrect. Lyles winning the 100m mens final that year, especially with the race being so close with a Jamaican runner, only further fueled the rivalry between countries.
From old competitors like Jamaican Usain Bolt and American Justin Gatlin to modern day Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles, the USA vs. Jamaica rivalry has made its impact and continues to showcase phenomenal athletes and promising talent for future competitions. The next championship meet is September 2026.
Now the question is, will the rivalry continue with each country securing wins back and forth?
Or will a champion emerge and settle the long lasting struggle?
Rock Star Writers Blog 