On top of the world
Brilliant Shericka Jackson clocks 21.55 to complete women’s sprint double
Published:Monday | June 27, 2022 | 12:08 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
The second national women’s 200 metres title of Shericka Jackson’s career was a statement of intent of her quest for a maiden world title.
Two days after winning the 100m crown, Jackson completed the double in a world-leading 21.55 seconds on the final day of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium yesterday. Double Olympic sprint champion Elaine-Thompson-Herah finished second in 22.05. Four-time world 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce came third in 22.14.
Her time comes after America’s Abby Steiner had the previous world lead when she clocked 22.77 hours earlier at the United States Championships to win the 200m title.
However, Jackson said that her world-leading performance has not increased the pressure on herself going into the World Championships next month but has given her more drive to go further.
“The thing is I never want to put pressure on myself. People out there would want to put pressure, but it’s just listening to my coach, executing properly, and I know that I can go faster,” Jackson said.
Fraser-Pryce, who finished third, said her performance ensured that she made the 200m team as she is yet to decide on whether to take on the sprint double
“I think I am in great shape. This is a part of the training process as well. I’m still not 100 per cent sure if I am doing the double yet, but I gave myself the opportunity to have it,” Fraser Pryce said.
CHAMPION
A new men’s 200m champion emerged as United States-based Andrew Hudson claimed the title in 20.10. National 100m champion Yohan Blake came second in 20.31 while Nigel Ellis was third in 20.41.
While acknowledging the tough competition in the field, Hudson said that he appreciated the reception as he crossed the line.
“It is not easy when you have guys like Rasheed Dwyer, Blake. It is my first time here in Jamaica. I love the atmosphere. I appreciate them supporting me as a newcomer,” Hudson said.
Meanwhile, Tokyo Olympics champion Hansle Parchment captured the men’s 100m hurdles title in 13.14 seconds while Rasheed Broadbell came second in 13.20. Orlando Bennett finished third in 13.28. Former Olympic and World champion Omar McLeod finished eighth in 13.54.
Britany Anderson won her first national women’s 100m hurdles title in 12.53, fending off Tokyo Olympic Games bronze medallist and 2021 champion Megan Tapper, who came second in 12.60. Former World champion Danielle Williams finished third in 12.66.
Jevaughn Powell captured the 400m men’s title in 45.50, with Nathon Allen in second place with 45.64. Anthony Cox was third in 45.65. Candice McLeod dethroned Stephenie-Ann McPherson to become the new women’s 400m champion with a time of 50.29. McPherson came second in 50.49 while Charokee Young was third in 50.76.
National senior record holder and 2015 World Championship bronze medallist O’Dayne Richards won the shot put with a throw of 19.58m while Calabar High’s Kobe Lawrence was second with 17.67m. Brandon Gayle of St Jago High was third in 16.23m.
Carifta Games Under-20 champion Jaydon Hibbert won his first senior men’s triple jump title, with an effort of 16.41m. Jordan Scott was second in 16.30m while Tevin Dunn was third in 15.94m.
Chrisann Powell-Gordon won the women’s 800m in 2:00.35, dethroning Natoya Goule (2:00.83) while national men’s record holder Navasky Anderson won his first 800m men’s national title in 1:48.53.