Jackson finds therapy in writing
Published:Friday | August 18, 2023 | 12:08 AM
BUDAPEST, Hungary:
Like many other athletes, world 200 metres champion Shericka Jackson writes down her goals, setting herself targets she wants to achieve.
But, it also serves another purpose, as a form of therapy and retrospection that keeps her mentally sound and focused, something she said is important as she prepares for a path towards a potential sprint double at the World Championships.
The first part of that journey will start on Sunday with the heats of the women’s 100m with Jackson having the fastest time in the world this year, 10.65 seconds, which she set last month.
Jackson not only documents her targets, but her daily experiences, as well, emphasising how important being mentally healthy is.
“Once I am mentally OK I am capable of anything. It makes me happy. I am a little more focused and I enjoy the sport a lot more. I am not afraid to say I struggle mentally a lot,” Jackson said, “I write how I feel daily to know my triggers. So when I write my triggers I say OK, I try to correct them to have a better training session so I can communicate more. So that is one of the biggest things for me, keeping my mentality intact.”
For Jackson, writing her thoughts is as important as improving her technique on the track in addressing potential red flags and healthily dealing with them so that she can perform to her highest potential.
DOCUMENTING
“I write everything. I think I have more emotional triggers so therefore I will write what I am feeling like my head hurts and I have to figure out why. I document how I feel daily so by the time the championship comes I will be OK,” Jackson said, “You will see me smiling and dancing and everything. I don’t write just times but I write my triggers and what keeps me intact,” Jackson said.
Compared to how she was years ago, Jackson said she is enjoying coming out of her shell more and embracing the personality that she has.
“I think back to when I wasn’t approachable. Now I am more simmered down. I understand that I have different personalities. I was a little laid back, but now I enjoy being Shericka.”
With the potential of a sprint double campaign on the cards, the belief is strong within Jackson, saying she is in top shape to show what she is capable of.
“It’s definitely possible. Once I put together everything that I have been doing in training then anything is possible,” Jackson said.