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Shericka Jackson became the national champion in the 100 meters of the Jamaican national trials in 2022, beating the likes of Elaine Thompson-Herah to win it, and it changed her life 'forever'.
Shericka Jackson, one of the most versatile sprinters in history, has opened up about the transformative moment in her career: winning the 100 meters at the Jamaican trials during the 2022 World Athletics Championship qualifiers.
The victory, which saw her dominate the field and surpass Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, left an indelible mark on her life and career.
"I won the 100 meters, and it changed my life forever," Jackson revealed during the first season of Netflix's SPRINT.
Known for her reserved demeanor, Jackson admitted that stepping into the spotlight as a national champion brought unique challenges. “Honestly, being in the public eye makes me a little nervous,” she shared.
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12:21 - 06.12.2024
'It's not something I want'- Why Shericka Jackson is reluctant to accept 'sprint queen' title even as Usain Bolt dubs her Jamaica's best prospect
Jamaican sprint sensation Shericka Jackson has mixed feelings about the expectations placed on her by Jamaicans and even sprinting greats like Usain Bolt.
Jackson, now 30, is the fifth-fastest woman in history over 100 meters and the second-fastest in the 200 meters. However, her journey to sprinting dominance began as a 400-meter specialist.
She secured individual bronze medals in the 400 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2015 World Championships, and the 2019 World Championships. Her success extended to relay events, earning silver at the Rio Olympics and gold and bronze at the 2015 and 2019 World Championships, respectively.
The decision to shift to shorter sprints in 2021 marked a pivotal point in her career. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Jackson claimed bronze in the 100 meters and contributed to Jamaica’s gold in the 4x100 meters relay.
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18:51 - 02.12.2024
'I know I am not like everybody else' - Sha'Carri Richardson opens up on unique personality that sets her apart
Sha'Carri Richardson has opened up on the unique attribute about herself that drives her desire to dominate.
That same year, she achieved personal bests of sub-10.80 seconds in the 100 meters and sub-22 seconds in the 200 meters, adding to her sub-49.5-second best in the 400 meters.
By 2022, Jackson cemented her place in sprinting history with a silver medal in the 100 meters and gold in the 200 meters at the World Championships, the latter achieved with a national record. She also took silver in the 4x100 meters relay and claimed the Diamond League 200 meters title.
Becoming the Jamaican 100 meters champion for the first time in 2022 carried immense significance. Jamaica’s sprinting culture is unparalleled, with legends like Usain Bolt and Elaine Thompson-Herah setting towering standards. Former sprinting icon Michael Johnson highlighted the unique pressure that comes with such an achievement.
“Sprinting, not track and field, is the national sport in Jamaica, so if you are Jamaican champion, that absolutely means something,” Johnson noted.
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20:45 - 02.12.2024
'She needed someone to match her personality' - American legend Michael Johnson praises Dennis Mitchell's role in unleashing Sha'Carri Richardson's potential
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has explained why Dennis Mitchell is the best coach to keep guiding Sha'Carri Richardson into unleashing his potential.
Usain Bolt, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, offered insights into why Jamaican fans place their sprinters on such a pedestal.
“Sprinting is something that Jamaicans love. They really look forward to the World Championships because we’ve reached the pinnacle and want to stay up there forever. It’s like a lifestyle in Jamaica,” Bolt explained.
Jackson’s achievements have set her apart as the only athlete in World Championships history to win medals across the 100, 200, and 400 meters, as well as in both the 4x100 and 4x400 meters relays.
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