Shelly is my inspiration - Thompson

BRUSSELS, Belgium:

Jamaica's newest sprinting star Elaine Thompson identified Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as a major source of inspiration, underlining that her former training partner has helped in her development as the world's top female sprinter today.

"Since I have been at MVP and UTech (University of Technology), I have looked up to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce so much. She is my role model," said Thompson ahead of today's Brussels Memorial van Damme Diamond League stop.

"She has taught me so much and has played a big part in motivating me."

Thompson followed Fraser-Pryce, who won back-to-back Olympic 100m gold medals, into the Olympic history books with double sprint gold at the Rio Olympic Games a few weeks ago.

She will do the same as far as the Diamond League is concerned with a win in the 100m today, which will ensure that she follows up on Fraser-Pryce's Diamond Trophy success from last season.

Fraser-Pryce has, in fact won three Diamond titles having won also in 2012 and 2013 with Veronica Campbell-Brown another Jamaican sprinting great-linking the Jamaican streak in the event with a Diamond Trophy win in 2014.

"I am very pleased to be here, it's my second time in Brussels after I ran the 200m last season. I had a great experience then and it's an even bigger experience ahead in the 100m, and so I am really looking forward to it," said Thompson, who added that the cross hairs are on a fast time at the King Baudouin Stadium.

"I am looking forward to a good time tomorrow (today). Whatever I get, I will appreciate it; but I am looking forward to run fast," Thompson said.

"I think I can go faster, but the times speak for themselves. When they come I will accept it, and if it happens tomorrow (today), I will be appreciative. It would be a nice way to end my season."