Budapestquest: Jackson Wins 200m Gold in Jaw-Dropping Run
Shericka Jackson (centre) of Jamaica reacts as she wins the women's 200-metre final followed by Gabrielle Thomas (left) of the United States, during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Friday, August 25, 2023. Also pictured in Julien Alfred of St Lucia who finished fourth. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Source: Loop Caribbean
Shericka Jackson retained her 200m World title in astounding fashion on Friday, clocking a jaw-dropping 21.41s to win the half-lap event in the second-fastest time in history at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Her time is a new Jamaican national record and a new championship record.
The Jamaican lowered the time of 21.45s she ran in Eugene, Oregon in 2022 to win the title and now sits just .07 off Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 35-year-old world record of 21.34s. She now holds two of the three fastest 200m times in history.
Jackson, who apparently was chasing the record, and who turned up in the Hungarian capital in the shape of her life, was muted in her celebrations after crossing the finish line after she realised she had come up just short.
“She will get the record one day,” said a commentator after the race.
In a post-race interview, the Jamaican said she was bothered by a sinus infection before the race. She also admitted that she was chasing the record and expected to run no slower than 21.40s if she did not achieve the mark.
Jackson left a quality field in her wake with the Americans, Gabby Thomas getting the silver in 21.81s and Sha’Carri Richardson claiming bronze in a personal best 21.82 seconds to go with her 100m gold.
Jamaica has now won three gold medals and nine medals overall to consolidate its third-place position on the medals table at these championships.