Justin Gatlin on how Elaine Thompson-Herah & Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price will help Shericka Jackson overcome season woes

Justin Gatlin on how Elaine Thompson-Herah & Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price will help Shericka Jackson overcome season woes

Mark Kinyanjui 20:33 - 08.06.2024

The former Olympic champion has revealed how both Thompson-Herah and Fraser-Pryce will help Shericka Jackson turn around her early-season struggles ahead of the Olympics.

American sprint legend Justin Gatlin has shed light on the role that Jamaican sprint icons Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will play in helping Shericka Jackson overcome her early season challenges and achieve success at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Shericka Jackson has experienced a mix of highs and lows in the current track season. On June 2, she marked a significant turnaround by winning the Stockholm Diamond League with a season's best time of 22.69 seconds. 

This victory was particularly encouraging as it came just days after a disappointing fifth-place finish at the Oslo Diamond League on May 30. Prior to Stockholm, Jackson had also secured a win at the Marrakech Diamond League on May 19, clocking in at 22.82 seconds.

However, these times are still shy of her career best of 21.41 seconds, which she set to claim the world title last August in Budapest.

Thompson-Herah, a two-time Olympic champion in both the 100m and 200m events, offers a wealth of experience on the biggest stages in athletics. Her insights into race preparation, mental toughness, and strategic planning are invaluable.

Fraser-Pryce, with her numerous world and Olympic titles, epitomizes consistency and excellence. Her ability to maintain peak performance over many years provides a model for Jackson, particularly in handling pressure and staying focused.

Gatlin believes that both Thompson-Herah and Fraser-Pryce will play a pivotal role in Jackson's journey. On his Ready Set Go podcast, Gatlin shared:

“She is the next one to pass on the torch when it comes to Jamaican sprinting dominance. Shelly-Anne is in her last year, and it is most likely Elaine’s last Olympics, so Shericka is next up to the plate and she has already done amazing things.

"I think listening to her counterparts when it comes to Shelly-Anne, who is one of her good friends, and possibly Elaine as well, they will speak their life into her, and they will let her know it's a pride thing. Jamaica has a lot of pride in their athletes. 

"They are not going to let her falter. They will be like ‘Girl, you are the next up. What you gonna do?’ Let Shericka be and she will show up when it is time to show up.”

With the mentorship and support of Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson is poised to overcome her early season woes and shine at the Paris Olympic Games. 

The blend of their experience, competitive spirit, and the deep-seated pride in Jamaican sprinting will undoubtedly be a significant factor in her journey to success.

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