Jackson to focus on ‘executing a good 60m’
Published:Saturday | February 4, 2023 | 12:33 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
For World 200 metres champion Shericka Jackson, her upcoming 2023 indoor season debut is more than just a battle with World and Olympic champion and world 400m hurdles record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone but being able to get even faster in the short sprints in the early stages of a long campaign.
Jackson will face McLaughlin-Levrone as well as a strong field in the 60m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix at 3:10 this afternoon in Boston. Jackson opened her season at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson meet last Saturday with a comfortable 53.11 seconds win in the 400m. In addition to McLaughlin-Levrone, Jackson will have competition from a strong American contingent including Tokyo Olympic 100m hurdles silver medallist Kendra Harrison, World Championship 4x100m gold medallists Melissa Jefferson and Aleia Hobbs. Jackson’s MVP track clubmate Anthonique Strachan will also be competing.
Jackson credited her indoor season for improvements in her start in her double sprint season and is hoping that it will accomplish the same goals.
“Last year the 60m helped me in improving my start. It’s early in the season for me. The focus is for me to execute my race,” Jackson said after her season opener last Saturday. “Last year I ran 7.04. I am definitely looking forward to some pretty good 60m (runs) and hope I can go faster.”
That time came in the final of the World Indoor Championships in Serbia where she placed sixth. Although aware of the significance of facing McLaughlin-Levrone, Jackson reminded all of the strength of the field which deserves respect.
Yes, it’s a good feeling competing (with Sydney) but it is not two persons competing. There are a whole lot of talented women competing. So it’s for me to focus on executing a good 60m,” Jackson said.
Jackson headlines a number of Jamaicans who will be competing at the meet which includes Ackeem Blake who will face world 200m champion Noah Lyles in the second heat of the men’s 60m at 4:13 p.m. and Michael Campbell who will compete in heat one at 4:08 p.m. Damion Thomas will compete in the first heat of the men’s 60m hurdles at 3:27 p.m. while former World 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams will line up in the women’s 60m hurdles at 5:12 p.m. Javon Francis will begin his indoor season in the men’s 400m at 4:28 p.m.