Olympic favorite and world 200m champion, Shericka Jackson, experienced a concerning setback during the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix on Tuesday. The Jamaican sprinter, who holds the second-fastest time ever in the 200m, was leading the race and approaching the finish line when she suddenly pulled up, seemingly injured.
Jackson appeared to be in discomfort as she walked off the track, leaving the victory to Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia. The incident comes at a crucial time, with the Paris Games just weeks away. Jackson’s participation now hangs in the balance, adding to the Jamaican team’s woes as they are already missing Elaine Thompson-Herah, the two-time reigning Olympic champion in the 100m and 200m. Thompson-Herah recently announced she has a small tear in her Achilles tendon, further diminishing Jamaica’s chances in the sprint events.
Jackson, who is known for her exceptional speed and has recorded three of the four fastest times ever in the women’s 200m, including her top time of 21.41 seconds set at the World Championships in Budapest last summer, was expected to be a formidable contender in Paris. She was also poised to challenge American rival Sha’Carri Richardson in the 100m.
The extent of Jackson’s injury remains unclear, and her agent has yet to provide an update. The news has sent shockwaves through the athletics world, leaving fans and commentators alike concerned about her potential participation in the upcoming Games.
