James: Jackson deserves national recognition

It has been a year filled with achievements for Shericka Jackson, the fastest woman alive over the 200 metres, and although the track and field season has ended for 2022, she is still reaping from her hard work.

The 29-year-old will be among 30 Jamaicans awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD) at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony today.

President of the MVP Track and Field Club Bruce James says Jackson deserves national recognition for her achievements in athletics, and he thinks she will continue to grow.

“I think it’s tremendous that the Government and people of Jamaica are recognising Shericka Jackson for what she has done on the track and by becoming the fastest woman alive over 200 metres and winning medals at the international level in the 100, 200, 400, 4×100, and 4×400m. This is is really tremendous, and that’s a feat that has never been achieved by anybody - not just among Jamaicans, but any man, woman or child internationally or locally,” James said.

He said he thinks that Jackson might even attain higher national awards in the future.

“I guess it maybe depends on her achievements. If she is selected for even higher honours, I think that would be amazing as she continues on her growth in track and field athletics,” he said.

James said this national recognition of Jackson and other people in sports will motivate younger Jamaican athletes to go for more than just medals, but also national honours.

“They see what Shericka has achieved, and I am sure they would like to emulate what she has achieved,” he said.

Others receiving national honours today for sports include sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. The five-time World 100 metres champion is among 10 people who are to receive the Order of Jamaica.

Jackson and Fraser-Pryce have also been shortlisted for the World Athletics 2022 Female Athlete of the Year.