Elaine Thompson-Herah looking for 'perfect' conditions to challenge Florence Griffith Joyner’s 100m world record

ByEurosport

Updated 25/08/2021 at 16:22 GMT

“It is in my reach. On a perfect day, and perfect weather if I get that, I would definitely challenge it,” Thompson-Herah said. “I tell myself, (the temperature) doesn’t matter. Going to Prefontaine there was no intention of breaking that world record. It was a normal work day for me. If it doesn’t happen this season, I’m fine with the time that I have got right now.”

Elaine Thompson-Herah’s quest to topple Florence Griffith Joyner’s 100 metres world record takes her to Lausanne on Thursday, and the Jamaican feels if conditions are right she can best the 33-year-old mark.

A series of top-class runners have failed to bridge the gap to the time of 10.49 seconds set by the American in 1988.

Olympic champion Thompson-Herah went as close as anyone when running a stunning 10.54 in winning in Eugene at the weekend.

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Her effort in Oregon has given weight to those who feel Thompson-Herah can reach a mark many thought was untouchable, but conditions would need to be perfect - according to the Jamaican.

“It is in my reach. On a perfect day, and perfect weather if I get that, I would definitely challenge it,” Thompson-Herah said.

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It is being claimed that the record will not be broken in Switzerland on Thursday, as the weather is set to be cooler than ideal for sprinting.

Thompson-Herah is not concerned about the weather, and is prepared to bide her time for the ideal conditions - which could be back at Eugene at the World Championships next year.

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"I tell myself, [the temperature] doesn’t matter,” she said. “Going to Prefontaine there was no intention of breaking that world record. It was a normal work day for me.

"If it doesn’t happen this season, I’m fine with the time that I have got right now.”

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