After a challenging 2024 season sidelined by injuries, Shericka Jackson, the reigning world champion in the 200m, is back in action and showing promising signs of her renowned speed. Under the guidance of MVP Track Club coach Paul Francis, Jackson is gradually rebuilding her momentum as she prepares for an intense 2025 athletic calendar.
Jackson marked her comeback on Saturday at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Invitational Meet held at the National Stadium, securing a second-place finish in the 60m dash. The 30-year-old sprinter clocked a respectable 7.18 seconds, trailing behind Jodean Williams who finished in 7.15 seconds. This race was Jackson’s first competitive outing since July 2024 and her debut in the 60m event since 2023. Notably, this marks the earliest she has commenced her season since 2019, when she competed in the 200m at the same venue.
Coach Francis expressed his approval of Jackson’s performance, emphasizing the importance of these meets as training opportunities. “Our focus is on refining our execution, and Shericka delivered well today. Her time is faster than any she’s run at this stage of the season, which is very encouraging,” Francis remarked to the Sunday Observer.
Despite a strong showing at the National Senior Athletics Championships last June, where Jackson clinched titles in both the 100m and 200m, injuries prevented her from participating in the Paris Olympics in August. Nevertheless, Francis is optimistic about her current physical condition, stating, “Shericka is training diligently. The fact that she’s competing now indicates she’s made significant progress in her recovery.”
Looking ahead, Jackson is aiming for a historic three-peat in the 200m at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for September 2025. Additionally, she may return to the 100m event, following her silver medal performances in 2022 and 2023.
Francis remains focused on fostering Jackson’s peak performance without imposing rigid targets. “Our philosophy is to support our athletes in achieving their best when it matters most. We trust Shericka will continue to excel as the season unfolds,” he added.
Shericka Jackson’s last official competition took place on July 9 at the Gyulai István Memorial in Hungary, where she unfortunately exited the race due to an injury. Her recent performances, however, signal a determined and resilient return to the elite sprinting scene.
