Track and field suffered from a major misfortune when it comes to the Paris Olympics. The women’s division missed two of its biggest stars. And that too because of identical reasons. The two who were expected to achieve glory in the French capital had to forfeit the event due to injuries. One of them dropped the news thousands of miles away from Paris. While the other broke the fans’ hearts just before the events. The reaction of the track and field community was unsurprisingly dismal. But some good might be coming after five months of solitude.

One of the two, Elaine Thompson-Herah, has a chance to make a comeback this season. However, the five-time Olympic champion has yet to share anything concrete. But her compatriot and a notable rival, Shericka Jackson, might not follow the same suit. How? Does she have something better in the store? 

The reigning world champion is on the headlines again 

There are a few ifs and buts. But would that minimize the beauty of the news? The ball is in the track and field fans’ court. But here’s the update. On January 21, the track and field sports raconteur, Kemal Oly, hinted at Shericka Jackson’s probable return to the track. According to his post, the reigning world champion might enter the 60m event at The Queen’s/Grace Jackson Meet.

The contest is scheduled for Saturday (January 25). However, the news has yet to get nods from Shericka Jackson and the hosts. But if it stands true, the 30-year-old will compete in her first race after July 9 last year. In fact, the 200m race on July 9 last year saw everything crumble for Shericka. 

It was Shericka Jackson’s pre-Olympic meet in the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix and she tasted a major fall in it. In the 200m event, Shericka experienced “slight cramp” in the last end. She concluded the race in a timing (36.29 seconds) that didn’t match her caliber in the women’s 200m event. Well, she is the second fastest woman (21.41 seconds) in the 200m event. That Hungarian race was her last in the last season. She reached Paris as a part of the Jamaican contingent. But Jackson remained away from the main events. She eventually withdrew from both the 100m and 200m events. Did she give any reason to distance herself from the events? 

Yes, the Jamaican did. After her withdrawal from the 100m event in Paris, the track and field maestro said, “The decision is just to protect my body. As I’ve said for the last three years, I’ve been competing in both events. It’s a combination of both just focusing on one event and what happened in Hungary.” Probably the same reason made her move away from the 200m event. But now, after five months of those events, there’s a chance to watch her run. How have the track and field fans responded to the news? 

The track and field sports fans are ‘really excited’ 

“VENGEANCE,” a fan commented after seeing the update on X. But how could the event be Shericka Jackson’s way to take vengeance? She contested her last 60m race on February 25, 2023. Then? Does she have any chance to win the event this weekend? The answer might come after the race this Saturday. Also, there’s no assurance that she will enter the event. Several track and field sports fans still remember her swings in Paris. One such fan commented on X, “Let’s hope it’s not a “down to compete then not show up” kinda thing like last season.” But what happened in Paris 5 months ago? 

Initially, Shericka was ready to enter the women’s 100m and 200m events in the Paris Olympics. She had the tickets from the Jamaican trials. But on the penultimate day, she stood away. At first, she scratched from the 100m event while promising to compete in the 200m event. But later, she bowed out from that event as well. A few fans still remember those instances. However, apart from them, a sizable chunk of fans are ready with flowers to welcome the four-time world champion. 

One such follower penned, “Really really excited for Jacko’s return!! Let’s go.” The return has been on the cards for the last several days. On January 14, Olympics.com mentioned her name as someone making a comeback this season. And now, the update has come. Though everything is on loose ground. But it seems enough to make her fans overjoyed. Another example? 

Someone chimed in the comment box beneath Kemal’s post, “Okay track season!!!! Back to default settings? LOVE to see it!!”Yes, the stars are returning. Kishane Thompson turned heads last week at the 60m event in Jamaica. He took 6.48 seconds (-2.1 m/s) to sweep the event. Noah Lyles is on the cards. The reigning Olympic champion will start his season in the first week of February in the New Balance Indoor contest. And now, Shericka Jackson might steal the show this week. A full jackpot for the track and field fans, isn’t it? A fan thinks so. He/she wrote on X, “Season off to a good start.” The ardent fans are raring to see such a start. Are you the same? Let us know.