Elaine Thompson-Herah says she used ‘bad comments’ as motivation to defend Olympic 100m title at Tokyo 2020

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elaine Thompson-Herah insists she used “bad comments” about herself to fuel her motivation to defend her Olympic 100m title at Tokyo 2020. The Jamaican’s flawless display in a scorching 10.61 seconds was enough to upset compatriots Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson, who took silver and bronze respectively. Thompson-Herah told BBC Sport trackside after her stunning performance: "God is amazing, I've been struggling, I see all the bad comments, I see everything, for me to stay focused and keep my composure. I have been through this many, many times, so I am just really excited about what I have been able to do tonight.” While former Olympic champion Michael Johnson admitted the start from the reigning champion caught him off guard: “I was surprised because Elaine Thompson-Herah got an amazing start, she executed that race to perfection.