Renaud Lavillenie, the 2012 Olympic pole vault champion, has come to terms with his non-qualification for the Paris 2024 Games. Despite an impressive career that includes a gold medal in London and a silver in Rio, Lavillenie acknowledges that pole vaulting and athletics extend beyond the Olympics. Reflecting on his recent performance at the French Championships in Angers, he stated that he is still competitive and plans to focus on future competitions.
Lavillenie faced a challenging year, having undergone surgery for a partial hamstring tendon rupture in September 2023. Despite his efforts, he failed to clear the 5.82m required to qualify for the Olympics, managing only 5.72m. This setback marks a significant moment in his career, as he has not surpassed the 5.82m mark since the World Championships in Eugene in July 2022.
Lavillenie's situation is mirrored by the 2016 Olympic pole vault champion, Thiago Braz. Braz, who was suspended for doping, also failed to meet the Olympic minimums, ending his hopes for Paris 2024. Despite being allowed to compete by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, he could not clear the required height, marking a downturn in his career.
While Lavillenie and Braz face the twilight of their Olympic aspirations, American sprinter Noah Lyles is gearing up for a stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Games. Lyles, a triple world champion, recently dominated the American selections, setting the best world performance of the year in the 200m with a time of 19''53. He aims to achieve a quadruplet in Paris, including the 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m, and 4 x 400m events.
Lyles' ambition contrasts with the challenges faced by other athletes. Sha'Carri Richardson, despite her strong performances, did not qualify for the Olympic 200m. Meanwhile, in Jamaica, Shericka Jackson, the 200m world champion, set the best time in the heats, positioning herself as a favorite for the final.
- Lavillenie expressed a sense of closure, stating that he has accomplished much in his career and is now looking forward to future competitions beyond the Olympics. He emphasized the importance of being whole and competitive, focusing on the upcoming season and competitions leading to 2025.
- Thiago Braz's journey has been tumultuous, marred by a suspension for doping. Despite his appeal and a temporary reprieve to compete, he could not achieve the Olympic minimums. His career, highlighted by an Olympic gold in Rio and a bronze in Tokyo, faces uncertainty as he navigates the repercussions of his suspension.
- Noah Lyles' recent performance at the American selections underscores his readiness for the Paris 2024 Games. His goal to win an Olympic title and set a world record remains a driving force. His consistent success in the 200m, marked by 25 consecutive wins, positions him as a formidable contender.
- Sha'Carri Richardson's journey to the Olympics will be limited to the 100m and 4 x 100m events, despite her impressive times in the 200m series and semi-finals. In Jamaica, the Olympic selections highlighted Shericka Jackson's dominance in the 200m heats, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final.
