Saddened by USA’s Brittany Brown, Shericka Jackson Makes Paris Olympics Team: ‘Needed That Wakeup Call’

Shericka Jackson is officially Paris-bound after her double-decker victory! She first dominated the 100m dash at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association National Championships, clocking a remarkable 10.84-second win. Continuing her winning streak in the 200m event, she sealed her Paris spot in yet another event, thanks to her 22.29-second marvel. Romping in consecutive golds, the reigning 200m world champion proved herself as a gold-standard athlete. However, earlier this year, Jackson was humbled by an upsetting defeat.

At the Oslo Diamond League 2024, the Jamaican speedster had struggled in her signature event. Amidst elite sprinters in the competition, Jackson trailed back in the fifth spot, while American athlete Brittany Brown ended up clinching the title. Recalling this moment post her recent win at the trials, the 29-year-old phenom confessed in an interview with The Inside Lane that she, “Needed that wakeup call.” However, it looks like she is way past that phase. Comparing it with her current win, she prides herself on saying, “I’m going to Paris, so I’m excited.“

Back to winning ways, things look settled for Shericka Jackson now. She cites that before entering the season, her goals were pre-tuned in her mind. “It was to come to the Jamaica Trials and make top three in both the events,” she added. “I did that and now I am on my way to Paris,” boasted the nimble-footed athlete, beaming with pride.

However, the 4x World Champion once caught herself in an unsettling spot. Right after her upsetting loss at Oslo, Jackson was deeply affected. Speaking to The Inside Lane, she further confesses staying ‘mentally strong,’ especially after what happened at Oslo. The Tokyo 100m bronze medalist even recalls that she was extremely ‘emotional’ and had she stopped for an interview, she would have started crying. But as she gears up for her Paris appearance, Jackson will meet stiff competition from sprinters across the globe. Amongst them, are six American phenoms.

Shericka Jackson’s competitors headed from the USA

Surviving through the fierce competition in Eugene, a few track stars have sealed their Paris Olympics spot in the women’s 100 and 200m categories at the US Olympic Trials recently. While the list features some of Jackson’s old rivals, it also includes new names who will be up against her.

100m gold winner from the trials, none other than Sha’Carri Richardson was one of the favorites to be on the list. In 2023, at Budapest, Richardson had beaten the likes of Jackson in the 100m dash, while tables had turned in the 200m event, where the Jamaican redeemed herself. Therefore, much-awaited in Paris is the on-track clash between these two luminaries. Moreover, Jackson will also face competition through the other two American qualifiers, Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry. Notably, Jefferson’s personal best of 10.80 in the 100m finals was 0.04 seconds faster than Jackson’s qualifying time at the 2024 Jamaican Trials.

Speaking of the 200m category, joining Shericka in Paris will be the American trio- Gabby Thomas, Brittany Brown, and the NCAA icon McKenzie Long. While Jackson’s final timing from the Jamaican Trials, 22.29, was way ahead of these contemporaries. Nonetheless, these talented sprinters may still pose a threat to Jackson’s 200m world champion title. But it is also sure that Shericka Jackson will defend her crown with all her might. Thus, these categories at the 33 Olympic Games are surely going to be nail-biters. Are you excited for the same? Let us know in the comments below.