As another Olympics arrives, a new set of runners eye the opportunity to match Florence Griffith-Joyner’s benchmark sprint from 1988. For 36 years, Flo-Jo’s feat has stood tall and remains the one record that is yet to be broken by the new generation of sprinters. With ongoing Team Trials in both the USA and Jamaica, all eyes are on the likes of Sha’Carri Richardson and Shericka Jackson, with the duo being touted as two of the strongest contenders to dethrone the late American track legend.

Sha’Carri confirmed her ticket to Paris on June 22 after winning the women’s 100m final at the US Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Shericka, on the other hand, booked her berth hours ago today after replicating the feat in Kingston. However, things might not be so simple for the Jamaican when it comes to catching up to Flo-Jo.

Sha’Carri Richardson or Shericka Jackson: Who’s closer to the legend?

Often regarded as the modern-day Flo-Jo, Sha’Carri has a lot of similarities with her predecessor. However, achieving the same break-neck speed remains an elusive accolade even for the reigning 100m women’s world champ. At Oregon, Richardson managed to clock 10.71 seconds to win the 100m race, while Shericka recorded 10.84 seconds in her national capital to pick up first place at the Jamaican Trials, as per the results.

Jackson’s victory becomes an even more impressive feat considering how only hours ago she was dealt a massive blow by 19-year-old Tia Clayton in the semis. However, Shericka’s experience prevailed when it came down to the final race, and she showed her mettle by surpassing her young colleague’s time from the semi-final race by 0.02 seconds.

However, note how Shericka still lags behind Sha’Carri when the possibility of breaking Griffith-Joyner’s record becomes the focal point of the conversation. We’ve compiled a rundown of the latest faster times posted by the athletes to give a comprehensive look at who’s closer to clinching the world record in the women’s 100m sprint.

Sha’Carri, furthermore, has been brimming with confidence ever since she secured her place in the 100m race at the upcoming Paris Olympics. “I feel… everything, every chapter I’ve been through in my life, designed and prepared me for this moment,” Richardson was heard saying at Hayward Field as she noted how her family has remained constant support for her to realize her dreams.

While Sha’Carri inches closer to her maiden Olympic hardware, it would be wise to remember that her toughest competition in Paris will undoubtedly come from Shericka.

Will the intense rivalry culminate in Paris?

Jackson and Richardson have a long history between themselves and its next chapter will unfold in the grandest stage for the first time. While Sha’Carri was unable to represent the USA at the last Olympics, Shericka managed to scoop a bronze medal in the 100m race, as well as another in the women’s 4x400m relay race. However, the two locked horns at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, and both managed to show their worth on different occasions.

The Jamaican was defeated by Sha’Carri in the 100m race and Jackson had to settle for a silver but managed to maintain her lead in the 200m sprint to haul a gold, while Sha’Carri finished the race in third place. On the other hand, Richardson and the USA’s sprinters also dominated their Jamaican peers, sprinting towards gold in the 4x100m relay. At last year’s Diamond League too, Sha’Carri registered a win over Jackson.

With so much history between them, it remains to be seen if the American sensation can triumph over Shericka once again while also managing to replicate Flo-Jo’s on-track spectacle in the process. Do you think they have what it takes to break Flo-Jo’s record? Share your thoughts with us!