SAINT-DENIS, France — Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson pulled out of the women’s 200 meters Sunday and will not race for an individual medal at the Paris Games.
Jackson, the defending world champion who is the second-fastest woman of all-time in the 200, had previously withdrawn from the 100 meters, saying it was partly because of a leg injury she suffered in a tune-up race last month. It is unclear why she pulled out of Saturday’s race.
It turns American Gabby Thomas into the clear favorite to win the 200. Thomas cruised through her qualifying heat Sunday, as did Julien Alfred, who returned to the track about 13 hours after beating Sha’Carri Richardson in the 100 meters.
It’s yet another blow for the Jamaican women, a perennial Olympic powerhouse that has captured 15 of the 24 Olympic medals in the 100 and 200 since 2008.
All those sprinters from Jamaica’s 100-meter sweep in Tokyo have been absent in Paris. Elaine Thompson-Herah, the 100 and 200-meter champion, shut down her season earlier this year with an Achilles injury.
Only minutes before Saturday night’s 100 semifinal, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce pulled out with an undisclosed injury, saying on social media “it is difficult for me to find the words to express my disappointment.”
Jackson, who won last year’s world championships in 21.41 — only .07 off Florence Griffith Joyner’s 36-year-old world record — ran a pedestrian 22.29 at her country’s Olympic trials in June.
Then, in a race in Hungary on July 9, she pulled up before the finish of a 200-meter race, leaving her form in doubt with the Olympics less than a month away.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the 200m event at the Tokyo Olympics, forfeiting her chance for an individual medal. Jackson, who is known for her impressive speed and talent on the track, was a strong contender in the event but unfortunately will not be able to compete due to unforeseen circumstances.
The news of Jackson’s withdrawal comes as a disappointment to many fans and supporters who were looking forward to seeing her compete on the world stage. However, Jackson has stated that she needs to prioritize her health and well-being, and has made the decision to focus on her recovery and future competitions.
In a statement released by the Jamaican Olympic Association, Jackson expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and explained that she is taking this time to rest and recover in order to come back stronger in the future. She also thanked her coaches, teammates, and fans for their understanding and encouragement during this challenging time.
While it is undoubtedly disappointing for Jackson to miss out on the opportunity to compete in the 200m event, it is important to remember that her health and well-being should always come first. In the world of elite athletics, injuries and setbacks are unfortunately a common occurrence, and it is crucial for athletes to listen to their bodies and take the necessary steps to ensure their long-term success and longevity in the sport.
Despite her absence from the 200m event, Jackson’s fans can still look forward to seeing her compete in other events at the Olympics, including the 4x100m relay. With her talent and determination, there is no doubt that Jackson will continue to make a strong impact on the track and inspire others with her incredible performances.
In conclusion, while it is disappointing that Shericka Jackson will not be competing in the 200m event at the Tokyo Olympics, her decision to prioritize her health and well-being is commendable. Fans and supporters can continue to cheer her on as she focuses on her recovery and prepares for future competitions. Shericka Jackson is a true champion both on and off the track, and her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to athletes around the world.
