On the first day of the 2023 Prefontaine Classic, Shericka Jackson clinched the 100-meter title and stood victorious on the tracks of Hayward Field. The Jamaican athlete left American sprinter Sha’Carrri Richardson and compatriot Elaine Thompson-Herah in her wake to blaze toward the finish line and take the 100m glory home. Nonetheless, as the second day of the Diamond League final commenced, Jackson left no stone unturned and bagged 200m triumph by sprinting her way towards victory.

Nevertheless, before stepping into the arena, the 29-year-old was looking forward to break the legendary 200-meter record (21.34) set by Florence Griffith Joyner 35 years ago. However, despite Jackson’s staunch time leading her to lift the 200-meter trophy, the athlete could not surpass Flo-Jo’s record that she set in the 1988 Olympics on the tracks of Seoul.

Shericka Jackson fails to break Flo-Jo’s record

Shericka Jackson ended her 2023 season on a great note as she once again stood victorious in her beloved discipline of the 200-meter heat. Interestingly, sharing her incredible win, the NBC Olympics took to their X handle to express their regard for the Jamaican.

The tweet read, “Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson finishes her season undefeated in the women’s 200m to claim the Diamond League title.” The 29-year-old lifted the prestigious trophy by finishing the race in 21.57 seconds.

Jackson was followed by Ivorian athlete Marie-Josee Ta Lou( 22.10) and Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan (22.16) for the second and third positions, respectively.

However, despite Jackson’s best effort, the athlete failed to surpass Flo-Jos’ long-standing 200-meter record. The athlete had her eyes set on breaking the record at the finals after recording the fourth-fastest 200-meter time (21.48) in history at the Brussels Diamond League. Following this, the 29-year-old, while highlighting her progress towards breaking the record, told the media, “It felt really good. I definitely feel like I’m getting closer to that record.”

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Though Jackson could not surpass Florence Griffith Joyner’s record, the Jamaican took home two Diamond league gold medals. One for her 100m victory against Sha’Carri Richardson, and another for her 200m triumph.

Jackson’s 100-meter diamond league win

On September 16th, Shericka Jackson clinched the 100-meter Diamond League Trophy. The athlete won the event by clocking 10.70 seconds, followed by Marie-Josee Ta Lou (10.75) and Elaine Thompson-Herah (10.79), who secured the second and third positions, respectively.

Jackson was also able to surpass her on-track rival Sha’Carri Richardson, who finished the race fourth in 10.80 seconds.

In essence, despite Shericka Jackson’s efforts, Flo Jo’s legendary record continues to stand strong. Nonetheless, the Jamaican sprinter was able to showcase her prowess on the tracks by finishing her season with two Diamond League trophies under her name.

Also read:Not Shericka Jackson, but Fastest Woman Alive Comforts Sha’Carri Richardson Post 100M Final at Diamond League 2023