The refrain of “so close, yet so far” has been heard throughout the last 36 years every time someone has tried to surpass Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 200-meter world record. When the tracks were equally difficult, and the spikes were less supportive, the sprinting queen achieved a time of 21.34 seconds, which is superior to any other clocking. Through decades of improving technology, faster tracks, and contemporary spikes, Flo-Jo’s record has stood the test of time, but is it finally time for it to fall?

Well, according to Gabby Thomas, Shericka Jackson has what it takes to cross that threshold, compared to another firebrand athlete, Sha’Carri Richardson. Thomas, the 200m Olympic medalist, is in London now to participate in the Diamond League. With Brittany Brown and McKenzie Long, she secured her Paris Olympics ticket for the 200m event, while Sha’Carri Richardson lost the chance in the trials. So, in a discussion with Sean Ingle of The Guardian, the subject turned toward the 200m record that Florence set in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

When Ingle asked her if, given the lightning-fast track at the Stade de France and advances in super spike technology, Flo-Jo’s record could be broken, Thomas nodded. She mentioned, “I think it’s in reach for Shericka.” Notably, last year in August, Shericka Jackson clocked 21.41 seconds, the second-best time on the all-time 200m list. That timing won the Jamaican the world’s best title at the event in Budapest. So, as per Gabby, Shericka Jackson may not lose another chance to throttle the record. However, the American didn’t count herself out, either.  

While considering the conditions, the 27-year-old sprinter conceded, “I think it’s in reach for me at the Olympics if the conditions are right.” In describing the conditions, Gabby named all those factors that had not been supportive once: the track condition and the quality of the spikes. Per reports, the Stade de France will have one of the fastest tracks globally. To make things even better, the modern spikes will enhance the benefits derived from that track. Acknowledging this, she expressed, “The super-fast tracks are now incredible, and my sponsors, New Balance, have put a lot of development into our spikes.”

“You really feel like you’re getting a lot back from the track,” Thomas added. New Balance and Gabby Thomas partnered in 2018; their bond has only grown stronger since then. Coming back to Flo-Jo’s timing, earlier this year, Thomas said in an interview how that record has “got to go” at the Paris Olympics. And although Sha’Carri Richardson won’t have the chance to do it, the 27-year-old (and Jackson) sure will. “The 200m is so exciting on the women’s side because we’re running times that just have not been run before since Flo Jo,” Thomas exclaimed.

And why wouldn’t she be excited, especially after her performance at the London Diamond League? The American came from behind to win, clocking a 21.82 ahead of Julien Alfred (21.86) and Dina Asher-Smith (22.07). Following the race, she talked about competing in events like this. “For me, it’s just figuring out how to win. It’s about who wants it more. And I run really gritty. I’m glad I did this (participated in the London Diamond League). I fine-tuned some things.” What she said next was in line with something Thomas mentioned in her interview with The Guardian.

She’d said, “When you look at Flo-Jo’s 200m world record, her second 100m is insane. Astronomical, in fact. So that’s what you really want to do: your first 100m is setting you up to have an unreal second one.” That’s similar to what Gabby Thomas had to do in London. Reflecting on the sprint, she said, “Running into a headwind is really difficult for me – just being such a tall and lean runner. So, I had to really make up for it in the backstretch.” As a result of her fine-tuning, Thomas added, “I feel really strong and confident going into Paris.” But what about the probabilities? 

On Sha’Carri Richardson’s off day, Gabby Thomas took the prize 

Currently, Gabby Thomas stands fourth in the all-time 200-meter list with 21.60 seconds, which she achieved last year. She isn’t too far back compared to Shericka in that sense. Another stunning fact that might motivate the American sprinter is her world-leading position in the same event this year. Surprisingly, on that list, Shericka stands low in the 18th (22.29 seconds). However, she started her season late, and the cramping somewhat battered the situation. In the meantime, Sha’Carri Richardson has no chance of appearing in the 200m Olympic event. 

Richardson raised expectations with her semifinal run in the 200m trial event at Hayward Field last month, clocking a 21.92, elevating herself to 4th in the world-leading list this season. But the stuttering in the final left her in black waters. When you consider the all-time list, Sha’Carri’s 21.92-second dash (which is her personal best) ranks 32nd. So, when you think about it, the 200m event in Paris could just prove to be a fight between Gabby Thomas and Shericka Jackson. 

After all, even the reigning 200m Olympic champion, Elaine Thompson-Herah, bowed out of the Paris Games because of her Achilles tendon injury. So, now all eyes will be on the Paris Olympics to know how close Gabby and Shericka are to one of the longest-standing records. Who will you be supporting? Let us know in the comments!