Reports from Paris indicate that Jamaican sprinter Sashalee Forbes will compete in the 100m dash when the track and field events commence at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Friday. Speculation about Forbes replacing Shericka Jackson has been confirmed by Jamaica's Athletics Manager Ludlow Watts, who told Television Jamaica that Jackson has withdrawn from the 100m event.
Sportsmax.TV sources had confirmed on Tuesday that Forbes was informed by team management that she would be replacing Jackson in the blue-riband sprint.
On July 9, Jackson experienced what was described as 'a cramp' during the women's 200m race at the Istvan Gyulai Memorial held at the Bregyó Athletic Center in Székesfehérvár. The incident raised concerns about her fitness as the Olympics approached.
With no official updates from her MVP Track Club, rumors about Jackson's health have intensified. In a recent interview with Jamaican media, Coach Stephen Francis provided limited information regarding Jackson's condition. When asked about her health, Francis responded, “I think that is something you’re going to have to address to her medical personnel but as far as I know she appears to be okay to me.”
While Francis remained reticent about Jackson, he was more forthcoming about another athlete, Tia Clayton. He expressed confidence in Clayton's potential to perform well in the 100m, with some local pundits predicting her success in the blue-ribbon sprint.
The confirmation from Watts brings clarity to the situation, affirming that Sashalee Forbes will indeed replace Shericka Jackson in the 100m dash.
Nadal and Alcaraz stunned by Krajicek and Ram at Paris Olympics
Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram stunned gold medal favourites Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal to reach the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics.
In what could be Nadal's final appearance at Roland-Garros, the American duo showed no mercy, prevailing in straight sets 6-2 6-4 to advance to the next round.
After beating Roman Safiullin to reach the quarter-finals of the singles earlier that day, Alcaraz started slowly as the Spanish pair found themselves immediately behind.
Nadal and Alcaraz would close the gap to 3-2, but their American opponents would continue their dominance, taking the next three games to see out the first set.
The Spaniards started much better in the second, with the pairs trading blows and each holding their own serve.
But the decisive break would come in the seventh game, with Krajicek and Ram going to within two games of producing an unlikely upset against the pre-tournament favourites.
The Spaniards then missed two break points to take the game to 5-5, with the Americans missing two match points of their own in a thrilling final set.
But it was Krajicek and Ram who would emerge victorious, dumping out Nadal in what may be his last dance on the court.
They will face Czech Republic duo Adam Pavlsek and Thomas Machac for a place in the final on Saturday.
Data Debrief: Nadalcaraz no match for American duo
The fairytale ending for Nadal has come to an end, but it took an impressive display from Krajicek and Ram to do so.
The Americans won 25 of their 57 return points compared to Nadal and Alcaraz's 19, and converted all three of their break points.
Spain stay perfect in Olympics Group C, Marta leaves field in tears
Marta left the field in tears after being sent off for a dangerous high tackle during Brazil's 2-0 defeat to Spain in their final Group C game at the Olympics.
The Brazil great narrowly missed Olga Carmona's head with an out-of-control attempt to reach the ball in first-half stoppage time, receiving a straight red card in what could turn out to be her final-ever Olympic game.
Brazil needed a win to secure a place in the knockout rounds, but now they face a nervous wait to see if they will be one of the two best third-place teams in the last eight – a match they would have to play without their captain.
Athenea del Castillo eventually got the breakthrough after 68 minutes, before Alexia Putellas scored in the 107th minute to ensure they stayed perfect to top the group.
It was a dominant performance by La Roja, who created an expected goals tally of 2.75 from 27 shots compared to Brazil's 0.3 from 10 efforts.
Spain will face the best third-place team from either Group A or B in the quarter-final on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Japan also secured a spot in the knockout rounds with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Nigeria.
Japan stunned Brazil in the second group game and continued their momentum by getting the job done in the first half.
Maika Hamano and Mina Tanaka put them 2-0 up before Jennifer Echegini pulled one back for Nigeria.
However, Hikaru Kitagawa's strike just before the break restored Japan's two-goal cushion and held onto that lead to set up a meeting with the winners of Group B in the next round.
Swiatek edges into Paris Olympics semi-finals after Collins retirement
Iga Swiatek edged past Danielle Collins to book her place in the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics.
The top ranked seed was pushed all the way by her American opponent, but came through a third-set decider to win 6-1 2-6 4-1 after Collins was forced to retire.
Swiatek asserted her dominance early on, racing into a 3-0 lead and remained in control for the rest of the first set, with Collins no match for the Pole.
However, Collins started with a three-game lead of her own in the second set, looking a completely different player to the one who first stepped out on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
The world number one did have two chances at 5-2 down to put the pressure back on her opponent, but Collins remained composed to take the game to a deciding third set.
But Swiatek would find her rhythm once again, racing into a four-game lead as Collins took a medical timeout off-court.
The American would emerge back on court to win her first game of the set but retired immediately after, handing the win to her opponent.
Swiatek will continue her quest for a fifth success at Roland-Garros on Thursday where she will face Zheng Qinwen, who beat Angelique Kerber.
Data Debrief: Swiatek marches on, just
Swiatek's love affair on the clay courts in the French capital continued, but it did not come without its nervy moments.
Despite dominating the opening set, Collins was impressive with her serve, scoring seven aces in the contest compared to Swiatek's two.
Swiatek's triumph saw her become the first Polish player in history to reach the Olympics semi-finals in the singles.
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