Jackson’s title under threat?

OVER THE years, the women’s 100 metres has been the most eagerly anticipated event at the JAAA PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships.

Those years have featured a clash of world-class proportions with three of the most successful athletes at that level – Elaine Thompson Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson – never failing to entertain.

Expectations have changed dramatically this year.

There are doubts about either the form or health of all three.

In two outings this season, Thompson Herah finished at the back of the field in the 100 metres, limping off the track in New York in her last event with what seemed to be a foot injury.

Since then, the Olympic double-sprint champion Thompson Herah was listed as only competing in the 100 metres at Trials, creating further doubt about her readiness.

After a long wait, Fraser-Pryce made an auspicious start to her season at a local meet in the 100 metres. With the absence of her usual bullet start and strapping on one of her knees, she had to find extra in the last 10 metres to overcome an an average field to win in a moderate 11.15 seconds.

Defending national champion in the 100 and 200 metres, Jackson, had two average performances by her standards in the half-lap event, and then opened up in the short sprint, clocking 11.03.

With question signs surrounding all three, it will be interesting to see what will happen this week and if their dominance will continue.

Of the three, Thompson Herah, who was fifth last year, seems to be the most concerning.

Despite Fraser-Pryce’s sluggish start, once she reports to the start of the event, she will find herself among the top three.

It will be hard to bet against Jackson despite lukewarm performances so far. In a recent interview, Stephen Francis said she was physically on par with where she was when she won the double, going on to claim the World Championships gold over 200 metres and silver over the shorter sprint.

According to Francis, Jackson has trimmed down since running in those two 200 metres and is ready to let fly.

Of course, the lack of form from the long-cemented top three opens the door for others.

New kid on the block, Krystal Sloley out of MVP, the only athlete under 11 seconds with 10.99 seconds at the Racers Grand Prix, should lead the charge in the way of displacing one of the top three.

Shashalee Forbes, with a season’s best 11.05, Niesha Burgher, 11.05, Briana Williams, 11.08, and young turks Tia and Tina Clayton with bests of 11.12 and 11.17, respectively, should make this a very exciting affair.