Featured image by Madeah Addy (Ebony Morrison running in the Paris2024 women’s 100mH semifinal)
Ebony Morrison competed in heat one of the Paris2024 women’s 100 meter hurdle semifinal, but was disqualified after tumbling over the eighth hurdle. The African champion was lined up against world record holder Tobi Amusan from Nigeria, who finished third in the heat and failed to make the Olympic final, as well.
Paris2024 women’s 100mH semifinal recap
US hurdler Grace Stark and Bahamian hurdler Devynne Charlton placed top two in the heat and will move on to compete for the Olympic gold. They will join Olympic record holder Jasmine Camacho-Quinn from Puerto Rico; Alyasha Johnson and Masai Russel from Team USA; Nadine Viser from the Netherlands; Ackera Nugent from Team Jamaica; and Cyrena Samba-Mayela from France.
Officials disqualified Liberia from the race under rule TR22.6, claiming Morrison did not completely clear each hurdle.
“I think my trail leg got caught on the hurdle,” Morrison told Go Team Liberia. “I tried to hit my second acceleration in the race. But my trail leg wasn’t moving fast enough to move with me, so it caught the hurdle.”
Morrison shared that she is physically OK, minus a couple of scrapes. But she has not sustained any serious injuries.
“That’s a part of the race, it’s hurdles,” Morison said. “Either you’re going to go over them or you’re gonna go through them. I just so happened to go through it this time.”
Join the GTL newsletter for exclusives and updates on your favorite Liberian athletes!
Back-to-Back semifinals
The Paris2024 Games is Morrison’s second Olympic Game with Team Liberia and her second time making an Olympic semifinal, which is no easy feat. In Tokyo, spectators were prohibited from attending the races in-person, but this time around Morrison had the support of her grandmother, other family, and some friends in the stand.
“It was just a blessing to have my people here with no COVID and have my grandmother see me compete on the world stage,” Morrison said in the post-race interview, “My family isn’t that big. It was for a long time just me, my grandma, and my mom. My mom passed away when I was in college, so I know she’s looking down on me so proud.”
Despite the noticeable difference between the Tokyo2020 and Paris2024 crowd, Morrison expressed that she felt the same level of support.
What’s next
Morrison will end her season, rest up, and prepare for next year’s journey. The sprinter expressed excitement about the women’s 4×100 relay team’s future season and the upcoming World Championship. She is a part of the national record-setting relay team that missed the Paris2024 Olympic entry by one spot. However, World Athletics has made the World Championships an annual event, as opposed to occurring every other year — the next big track event will be in Tokyo in 2025.
“Our team has expanded, so I’m excited to see what all of our girls are going to do. I’m excited for our 4×1.”
As always, Morrison thanked everyone for their support, noting the fellow Liberians she heard cheering in the stands as she entered the stadium.
Follow @goteamliberia on social and subscribe to the free newsletter to stay updated on all events. Tune into LNTV to watch the Games in Liberia or check your local listing.
Thanks Ebony we are proud of you, you did just your best.
You are our superhero and our inspiration to one day make a move to greater high. Liberia is super proud of you and wishing you all the best as you prepare for the Tokyo 2025.
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!
congrat to the team. That was a great attempt.