Shericka Jackson, the standout Jamaican athlete, discovered herself within the highlight on the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston, final Friday, the place she was topped Jamaica’s Sportswoman of the 12 months.
The accolades poured in, celebrating her excellent achievements in 2023, but amid the enjoyment and recognition, there was a contact of unhappiness as she wished her mom might have been current to share within the particular second.
“It’s undoubtedly particular. It’s my first time profitable Sportswoman of the 12 months, so it’s undoubtedly particular. All my pals are right here. Sadly, my mommy couldn’t make it, however all my pals are right here, and I’m grateful,” Jackson expressed, acknowledging the importance of the award and the unwavering help she acquired from her pals.
The head of Jackson’s outstanding 2023 was her dazzling efficiency within the 200m on the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, the place she secured her second world title with a rare time of 21.41 seconds. This achievement marked the second-fastest time ever recorded within the occasion, surpassing her personal championship file of 21.45 set on the World Championships in Oregon in 2022.
In discussions with the media, Jackson, holding a group of trophies, shared her aspirations for the yr 2024. She expressed her need to raise her efficiency even additional, regardless of the distinctive yr she had simply skilled. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the challenges posed by suboptimal wind situations in 2023, which hindered her pursuit of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s long-standing world file of 21.34 seconds, set in 1988.
Notably, on the World Championships in Budapest, her profitable time of 21.41 seconds was achieved underneath just about nonetheless situations, with the wind measured at simply 0.1m/s. Equally, when she ran 21.48 seconds in Belgium, the wind was recorded at 0.2m/s. Her time of 21.57 seconds in Oregon throughout the Diamond League ultimate was clocked with a wind velocity of 0.3m/s.
Elusive world file
When questioned in regards to the elusive world file, Jackson acknowledged the affect of wind situations however maintained a practical outlook. She said, “You possibly can’t predict the climate, you already know. You simply have to point out up, and as I stated, as soon as I’m wholesome, if I get some good wind, then undoubtedly (I’ll break the file). However you may’t predict which climate you’re going to get on the day, so it’s only one step at a time, and if the world file comes, then undoubtedly a plus.”
Regardless of her phenomenal success, Jackson stays fiercely decided to enhance, emphasizing her relentless work ethic. “I do know what it feels wish to be fourth, fifth, third. So, subsequently, working arduous isn’t one thing I again away from. I feel I’m doing that and dealing further arduous to keep up the place I’m and to get higher is one thing I stay up for.”
