KINGSTON: Shericka Jackson, the World Championship silver medalist, delivered an exceptional performance by clocking an astonishing world-leading time of 10.65 seconds (wind +1.0 meter per second) in the 100-meter race, propelling her to joint fifth place on the all-time fastest women’s list.
Jackson displayed her regal form as she comfortably secured her second national 100-meter title on the second day of the JAAA National Junior and Senior Championship, guaranteeing her place at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest this summer.
Starting from lane five, Jackson, who is also the reigning 200-meter world champion, exploded out of the blocks and maintained her lead from start to finish, winning with ease. Shashalee Forbes followed in second place with a time of 10.96 seconds, closely followed by Natasha Morrison with 10.98 seconds. Elaine Thompson-Herah, the back-to-back Olympic double sprint champion, finished in fifth place with a season-best time of 11.06 seconds.
Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Jackson attributed her success to mastering the start, an area she had identified as a challenge in the past. She credited her coach, Paul Francis, and expressed her determination to continue working on her stride pattern and finishing technique in preparation for Budapest.
Shericka Jackson Sees Room for Improvement
While delighted with her career-best performance, Jackson acknowledged that there is still room for improvement in her finish. She plans to focus on refining her technique and stride pattern with the guidance of her coach.
In the men’s equivalent race, Jackson’s training partner, 21-year-old Rohan Watson, surprised more experienced competitors by winning with a time of 9.91 seconds (wind +1.1 meter per second). Ryiem Forde finished second in 9.96 seconds, while last season’s world championship finalist, Oblique Seville, secured third place in 10.00 seconds.
In another impressive display, 19-year-old Roshawn Clarke produced a remarkable late burst of speed in the last 70 meters to clock a career-best and world junior-equalling under-20 record of 47.85 seconds, securing his first national senior title. Clarke now shares the world under-20 mark with American athlete Sean Burrell. His winning time also propelled him to the second position on the all-time Jamaican senior list, just behind Winthrop Graham’s 30-year-old record of 47.60 seconds.
Janieve Russell, a finalist in both the Olympic and World Championships, showcased her tactical prowess by staging a strong comeback in the women’s 400-meter hurdles race. She overtook early race leader Rushell Clayton in the last 20 meters to claim her fifth national title with a season-best time of 53.75 seconds. Andrenette Knight finished second with a time of 53.78 seconds, while Clayton faded to third place with a season-best time of 53.81 seconds.
Adelle Tracey, the NACAC silver medalist, emerged victorious in the women’s 1,500 meters with a time of 4 minutes 19.23 seconds. Aisha Praught Leer, the 2018 Commonwealth Games 3,000-meter steeplechase champion, secured second place with a time of 4 minutes 23.05 seconds.
The outstanding performances at the JAAA National Junior and Senior Championship demonstrate the exceptional talent and competitiveness of Jamaican athletes on the global stage. With Shericka Jackson’s world-leading time and the promising displays from emerging athletes like Roshawn Clarke, Jamaica’s track and field team holds great potential for success at the upcoming World Athletics Championship in Budapest.
