In a turn of events that has left Jamaican athletics fans reeling, two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson has announced her late withdrawal from the 200m event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This news comes on the heels of another significant setback for Jamaica, with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrawing from the 100m semi-finals just the day before.
Jackson, who sustained an injury while running the 200m at the Gyulai István Memorial in Hungary on July 9, had been hoping to recover in time to compete in Paris. She withdrew from the 100m event 48 hours before its start on Friday, focusing her efforts on being fit for her favoured event, the 200m. However, hopes were dashed on Sunday when it was announced that Jackson would not be competing in the 200m.
This withdrawal is a significant blow to Jamaica's medal prospects at the Paris Games. With both Jackson and Fraser-Pryce out of contention, Jamaica failed to secure a medal in the women’s 100m for the first time in over 30 years. The last time Jamaica did not medal in the 100m at the Olympics was in Seoul in 1988.
The absence of Jackson leaves a heavy burden on the shoulders of Niesha Burgher and Lanae-Tava Thomas to deliver for Jamaica in the 200m. The fastest woman alive over the 200m, Jackson's absence from the event is keenly felt by fans and fellow athletes alike.
Concerns swirled around Jackson’s fitness ahead of the Olympics after she pulled up with an apparent injury in the women’s 200m at the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix earlier this month. Jackson, who was leading the race with about 50 metres to go, pulled up and limped across the finish line. It is understood that Jackson is still not fully recovered from the injury that forced her to withdraw from the 100m earlier at the Games.
Jackson had been scheduled to compete in heat three of the 200m but was a late scratch. It remains unclear whether Jackson will be able to compete in the 4x100m relay, adding further uncertainty to Jamaica's relay team prospects.
Jamaica’s track and field community is undoubtedly disappointed by this turn of events. As the nation waits for updates on Jackson’s condition, the focus now shifts to the remaining athletes who will carry the torch for Jamaica in Paris. Despite these setbacks, the spirit and resilience of Jamaican athletes continue to inspire hope and anticipation for future triumphs on the world stage.