Can Elaine Thompson Herah become the Most Valuable Player again at MVP?

It seems the return of the prodigal child, Elaine Thompson-Herah, might be on the horizon. Many fans wished she had never left MVP and her legendary coach, Stephen Francis. Given the setbacks faced due to injuries and changes in coaching, it seems as if she might be heading back to where it all began. This potential move has its pros and cons.

I wasn’t upset about Elaine leaving MVP. However, I would have preferred if she had chosen her new coaches more wisely. Since her departure, she has had some challenging seasons. While I don’t believe Franno is the only coach capable of managing her injuries, time is of the essence. Elaine likely has four or five more good sprinting years left, so her next move will be crucial. Returning to Franno or moving to an overseas coach are both valid options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW8rIKP05HU

Going back to Francis has clear advantages. Franno knows her body and her injury history better than anyone. He has new resources, including advanced machinery and expertise, to better manage her physical challenges and bring her back to peak performance. His experience with elite athletes makes him well-equipped to get Elaine back on track. However, some potential obstacles could stand in the way of this reunion.

MVP Track Club has grown since Elaine’s departure. Elaine is a rare talent, and getting her in top form requires a lot of attention. Can MVP provide her with the focus she needs while also managing the club’s other top athletes, such as Shericka Jackson? Will Elaine receive the attention she deserves, or might she be sidelined due to the club’s expansion?

Franno himself has expressed concerns about whether Jamaica’s current training methods work for Elaine’s unique needs and has hinted that he may not have the time to dedicate to managing her recovery and career. If that’s the case, is going back to MVP the best decision for her at this stage?

Another important question is: who will coach Elaine if she returns to MVP? If Franno takes her under his wing, can they set aside any past issues and work together productively? If Paul Francis coaches her instead, how will he manage both Elaine and Shericka Jackson, two of Jamaica’s most elite sprinters? There were rumours that Elaine’s departure left a sour taste in the mouths of some at MVP. Can the team move past this and create a positive environment for her return, or will the tensions that prompted her departure resurface?

Elaine left MVP for reasons that the public may not fully know, but the atmosphere and dynamics of the club will play a key role in her ability to succeed there again. However, if the past can be put behind them, Elaine could regain her crown as the “Double Double Queen.” Her best days are not behind her, and with the right team and support system, she has the potential to go even faster.

One crucial element Elaine will need, whether she returns to MVP or not, is a sports psychologist. Mental fortitude is just as important as physical training in an athlete’s success. Pairing a strong psychological approach with the continued expertise of her German doctor to manage her injuries could help Elaine fully unlock the remaining potential in her career.