Injury plagued Jamaican sprinter sets sights on Olympic glory

© Imago.

ATHLETICS Injury plagued Jamaican sprinter sets sights on Olympic glory

Festus Chuma 21:28 - 01.02.2024

Jonielle Smith, despite injuries and setbacks, remains determined to represent Jamaica and shine at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

When Jonielle Smith burst onto the global athletics scene in 2019 few could have predicted the challenging journey that lay ahead for the Jamaican sprinter.

After clinching the sixth spot in the women's 100 metres final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha and clocking a personal best of 11.04 seconds, Smith's career trajectory seemed set for stardom.

However, the subsequent years have been a test of resilience and determination for the former Wolmer’s Girls’ School and University of Auburn athlete, who just celebrated her 28th birthday.

A former Carifta Games Under-20 and Central American and Caribbean Games 100 metres gold medallist, she also shone at the collegiate level for Auburn, securing the title of South Eastern Conference (SEC) 100-metre runner-up and earning the prestigious All-American honors.

Despite her early successes, the journey since has been marred by relentless challenges.

"For me, it has been all about injuries since 2019, including a car accident, back, hamstring, and recently shoulder injury, which has been very frustrating for me. I haven’t been allowed to display my talent in the sport,” Smith disclosed to the Jamaican Gleaner.

Her stint at the MVP track club for the past two seasons has been a period of rehabilitation and cautious optimism.

Yet, amidst the setbacks, Smith's resolve remains unshaken. With an eye on the Paris Olympics, her determination is a testament to her spirit.

“Obviously, I want to make the national team this year and go to my first Olympics, as I want to have that super feeling like I had at my first World Championships experience,” she asserted.

Her goals extend beyond mere participation; Smith envisions reclaiming her status as a formidable force on the track, yearning for consistency and dominance in her performances.

Reflecting on the disappointments of the recent past, including a hopeful but ultimately thwarted comeback last year due to another injury, Smith acknowledges the emotional toll but refuses to capitulate.

Her resilience is further bolstered by the competitive ethos ingrained during her high school years in Jamaica, a culture that teaches athletes to remain vigilant and competitive, regardless of their current standing.

In the face of burgeoning talent and the relentless march of time, Smith's philosophy is clear: awareness without fear.

“No, I am not [afraid], but I am aware,” she confidently stated.

Her strategy is one of meticulous attention to detail and a respectful, honest approach to her body's signals.

“Just don’t count me out. I am paying attention to the simplest of details. Not playing superhero with my body, being honest with myself, so if it hurts I am not going to compete with it,” she shared.

As the Olympic stage beckons, Jonielle Smith stands ready, fortified by lessons of the past, and hopeful for the triumphs the future may hold.

With each race, each training session, and each day, she builds towards a comeback that might not just surprise her fans and competitors, but also redefine her athletic narrative.

 Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.