Reigning 200m World Champion Shericka Jackson has admitted that the crushing disappointment of failing to advance out of the first round of her pet event at last year’s Toyko Olympic Games provided fuel to ignite a stellar 2022.
Jackson, one of the favourites to win the race in the Toyko, failed to advance beyond the first round of the event after miscalculating badly in the heats. After leading the race comfortably for most of the way, the sprinter eased up before the line and was passed by two other athletes.
One year later, however, there would be no such mistakes as she not only advanced from the preliminary round but went on to clock a blistering 21.45 to take gold in the World Championship final. The time was the second fastest ever clocked over the distance behind Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 21.34.
In addition, however, Jackson also claimed the silver medal behind celebrated compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in the 100m. Her time of 10.71 was a huge personal best and made her the 6th fastest woman of all time.
“I worked really hard this year. Last year not advancing in the 200m made me mentally strong. Last year’s loss for me in the 200m took a toll because the 200 is my favorite event and not the 100,” Jackson told members of the media, ahead of Thursday’s Lausanne Diamond League meet.
“For me not to be able to advance made me work extremely hard this year. I got stronger in the gym and I think that paid off in my running 21.4.”
Jackson will face off against Fraser-Pryce and their compatriot Elaine Thompson-Herah in a fiery Diamond League clash set for Thursday in Lausanne.