Many track and field fans across the world were in shock and awe after witnessing women’s 100 meters favorite, Elaine Thompson, struggling to hold on to fifth place in a race which she was clearly heads and shoulders above the opposition in London at the World Championships.
It was later revealed that Thompson was vomiting unceasingly before the finals and even before her semi final race which she won comfortably in the fastest time at the games.
Gastroenteritis outbreak
Thompson’s dilemma was brought on by the devastating gastroenteritis disease which affected many of the athletes who trained tirelessly to put on a show for the fans. The ailment also affected Botswana’s Isaac Makwala who was barred from entering the stadium after falling victim to a norovirus outbreak that has affected more than 40 athletes and officials from a number of nations.
In addition, the winner of the women’s 100 meters, American Tori Bowie, did not start in her 200m meters heats due to the same illness.
More burning issues
A highly placed source in the Jamaican training camp has confided with CNW that the stomach bug crisis is but one of many burning issues that have plagued the London World Championships.
With all the terrorist acts that have been happening in Britain recently, the source claims security surprisingly lapses. There is no athletes’ village as is par for the course in games of this magnitude.
No athlete’s village
“The village is a sterile and secure area, where teams are housed during the period of the championships. The British have chosen instead to use a few hotels to house the delegations. The athletes are out in the preview of all British citizens and visitors. In other words, an ill meaning person can bump off Bolt as he leaves the hotel to get to the bus. Not one law enforcer in sight,” the source claimed.
The complaint also ranged into a lack of proper food.
“There is exactly the same menu every day, three times a day. No consideration for variety of culture or tastes.”
“For this fiasco to be called a global championship in the historical leadership of colonialism and home to the current head of the IAAF, leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth,” the source said.
