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Shericka Jackson made an inspiring comeback at the Xiamen Diamond League, finishing second and vowing to come back stronger.
Two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson made a spirited return to competition at the Xiamen Diamond League meet, where she finished second in the women’s 200 meters.
It was her first major race of the season following a frustrating injury that forced her to withdraw from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Jackson, one of Jamaica’s most decorated athletes, had been aiming for a victorious comeback.
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Shericka Jackson Battles Back After Injury Setback
The 29-year-old, who clocked an astonishing 21.41 seconds at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest—just 0.07 seconds shy of Florence Griffith-Joyner's world record—was eager to get back on track after her setback.
Reflecting on her race, Shericka said via Diamond League: "I am happy that I finished this race healthily. I will have to check with my coach where I can do better next time."
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Despite falling short of victory, her positive outlook and determination to improve were evident.
Running in Lane 6 at the Egret Stadium, Jackson started strong, quickly establishing herself as one of the front-runners.
Swiss sprinter Mujinga Kambundji tried to match her stride-for-stride, but Jackson’s blazing acceleration kept her opponents at bay.
However, in the final meters, American sprinter Anavia Battle unleashed a powerful kick to overtake Jackson, clinching first place with a time of 22.41 seconds.
Shericka followed with 22.79 seconds, while Jenna Prandini, another American, took third with 22.97 seconds.
Shericka’s journey through the years has been great. Starting her Olympic career with a bronze medal in the 400 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she later made a successful transition to the shorter sprints.
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At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she added to her medal haul with a bronze in the 100 meters, another bronze in the 4x400 meters relay, and a gold medal in the 4x100 meters relay.
Her tally of five Olympic medals, 11 World Championship medals, and three Diamond League titles showcases her longevity and adaptability in an ever-competitive sport.
Jamaican Stars Face Tough Day in Xiamen
Meanwhile, it was a tough day overall for the Jamaican contingent in Xiamen.
Olympic champion Hansle Parchment struggled in the 110-meter hurdles, finishing ninth.
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