In a turn of events that has left Jamaican athletics fans reeling, two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson is a late withdrawal from the 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This news comes on the heels of another significant setback for Jamaica, with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrawing from the 100m semi-finals just the day before.

Jackson, who sustained an injury while running the 200m at the Gyulai István Memorial in Hungary on July 9, had been hoping to recover in time to compete in Paris. She withdrew from the 100m event 48 hours before its start on Friday, focusing her efforts on being fit for her favoured event, the 200m. However, hopes were dashed on Sunday when it was announced that Jackson would not be competing in the 200m.

This withdrawal is a significant blow to Jamaica's medal prospects at the Paris Games. With both Jackson and Fraser-Pryce out of contention, Jamaica failed to secure a medal in the women’s 100m for the first time in over 30 years. The last time Jamaica did not medal in 100m at the Olympics was in Seoul in 1988.

The absence of Jackson leaves a heavy burden on the shoulders of Niesha Burgher and Lanae-Tava Thomas to deliver for Jamaica in the 200m.