‘Warrior’ Thompson Herah fights battles

Double sprint Olympic Games champion Elaine Thompson Herah is determined to win a physical and mental battle after finally competing in her first race in two months.

Thompson Herah opened her 100 metres slate on Saturday at the JAAA All Comers Meet at the Ashenheim Stadium, clocking 11.24 seconds for victory after two months where she had to battle a combination of injuries, which have kept her out of action since April.

Dealing with injuries is not an anomaly for Thompson Herah, having previously managed a long-standing Achilles problem to success. She said this season felt like she was in uncharted waters, given the setbacks she has had to deal with this year.

"I am not used to this. I always have little niggles, but now this is where I have not competed. I'm nervous, I am really nervous, but I am talking to myself. I know how to control those nerves, but it is all about getting my body and mind working together," Thompson Herah said.

"My body is ready, but I have to get the mind to coordinate. It's new to me, but I have to walk with God and have faith."

It's that faith which has been the source of strength for her as she believes that in a World Championships campaign, she is tested the most, and having been challenged mentally and physically this time, she is still determined to rise, with two weeks before the National Championships.

"When it comes to a World Championship (year), I think the devil likes to fight with me, and I am fighting back because I am a warrior, and I will not think I can get a World Championship title. That's why I'm out here because I know that I can do it, and I will not let him get in my brain that I can't do it," Thompson Herah said.

"It will mess with you, but if you have the right people around you in your corner and stuff like that, (it helps)."

Her health has improved for the first time in weeks, and she is not worried about times but doing everything she can to make the Jamaican team.

"It has been a challenging one. I almost gave up, but I had faith, and I came out here and just test my body to see where my body at. My training hasn't been how I wanted it to be because I missed so much and came out here to run an 11.24, I am just grateful," Thompson Herah said.

"I haven't had any pain for the past couple of weeks, so I am grateful, honestly."