2023 BLAZING IN BUDAPEST
COVER STORY
SHERICKA EYES THE 100M CROWN
T he undisputed queen of 100‐metre running is Jamaica’s Shelly‐Ann Fraser‐Pryce. When Jamaica blazes into Budapest for the World Athlecs Championships, the diminuve Fraser‐Pryce will seek her third win in a row in the 100. The only trouble is that among those standing in her
way is her teammate, the in‐form Shericka Jackson.
They share a bond of friendship forged before Fraser‐Pryce le the MVP Track Club for good aer the 2019 season. Their mutual admiraon is clear for all to see and though the older sprinter had beaten Jackson, 2nd to 3rd at the 2021 Olympics and 1st to 2nd at last year’s Worlds in Eugene, Oregon, there are signs that a shi might occur this year. The first big sign came at the Jamaica Naonal Championships. With Fraser‐Pryce exercising her right to skip the 100 as defending champion, Jackson placed her technical improvements in front of everyone. At 40 metres, she was level with the fast starters. Next, her accustomed extended acceleraon pulled her clear to a personal best of 10.65 seconds. Only Florence Griffith Joyner, Elaine Thompson‐Herah, Fraser‐ Pryce and Carmelita Jeter have ever run faster.
Jamaican women swept all the 100m medals at the last World Championships. Now, Shericka Jackson (right) will look to upgrade her 2022 Oregon silver to gold.
things aren’t always 100 and that’s the case with a lot of athletes. It’s not always 100 per cent but you come out and you give of your best and for me, I just thank God that I was able to come out and finish injury free,” she said gratefully aer her controlled 22.39‐second season‐opener. The knee trouble first appeared as she prepared for a 100‐metre race in Kenya and kept her out of races unl Naonals. Since those miseries, the five‐me world 100‐metre champion has sped to 10.82 and 10.83 seconds in races where her usual rocket start was muted. There’s a lot at stake. Unl last year, Jackson had never been top‐of‐mind for sprint fans. She did have a fine high school career at Vere Technical High
Hindered by a reported knee injury, Fraser‐Pryce opened her race season in the 200 instead, clocking 22.26 seconds as the runner‐up to Jackson. As is always the case, they celebrated together. Queried about her mental approach to the contest aerwards by reporters, Jackson replied, “For me always, just stay in your own lane and focus on yourself because for me personally, I can’t focus on who is behind or who is in front. I just have to focus on my lane and I think I did that tonight and I came out victorious.” That outlines a business‐like outlook that could be crical in the 100 at the Budapest Worlds. Asked about her fitness before the final, the 2013 double world sprint champion responded philosophically. “I’m good. Again,
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