In a twist nobody saw coming—and certainly no one rooted for—five-time Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah suffered an injury during the 100 meters at the NYC Grand Prix. Yes, the fleet-footed Jamaican sprinter, known for obliterating records, discovered a less glamorous side of competitive athletics as she was dramatically carried off the track in what can only be described as the world’s fastest piggyback ride.

Less than 50 days before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Thompson-Herah’s preparation hit an unexpected hurdle. Early in the race, she seemed destined for another victory lap. However, she soon began losing her early lead, limping conspicuously away from the finish line and ultimately ending the race in a rather unrecognizable 11.48 seconds, finishing last. This moment was quite a departure from her customary triumphant sprints, making her final place an anomaly in her career.

As spectators collectively held their breath, Thompson-Herah removed her right shoe and sat down on the track, visibly unnerved. Social media exploded with images showing her being carried from the track. While the transport method was unconventional, it was probably the fastest she'll ever go without running herself.

On Instagram, the athlete reassured her fans, providing an update: “I felt something uncomfortable, and it got worse as I tried to continue.” The nature of her injury, shrouded in a veil of mystery and sprinter's tape, remains unclear, with Thompson-Herah awaiting professional advice on whether this setback is something that a bit of rest or a whole lot of ice packs could fix.

Adding another uncanny element to her latest lap around the athletic field, Thompson-Herah’s star has taken a few hits recently. Last month, she finished last in her season opener at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, and since splitting with her coach late last year, her performance has been scrutinized more heavily than an amateur tax return during an IRS audit.

Jamaica’s track and field Olympic trials, slated to begin June 27, could see a shake-up if the world's fastest piggyback recipient isn’t at full strength. Thompson-Herah must navigate her way back to peak condition while balancing the weighty expectations of a defender in the women's 100-meter, 200-meter events, and the golden lady of the 4x100-meter relay from the Tokyo 2020 and Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Though the road to Paris seems rocky, Thompson-Herah’s resilience is as fast as her sprint times. With the 31-year-old awaiting crucial medical insights, fans across the globe hope that her time on track injury benches will be shorter than a social media video clip.

So, as the clock counts down to the Paris Games, all eyes remain on the champion—hoping she can transform this episode from a cautionary tale of sprinter’s woe into another chapter in her remarkable career. Whether she returns to her coveted podium positions or adds more piggyback rides to her resume, one thing is certain: Elaine Thompson-Herah has a flair for dramatic exits both on and off the track.

Sources: USAToday, Fox