Jackson to run under 48 seconds
MVP’s Head Coach Stephen Francis believes the world hasn’t seen the best of Shericka Jackson as yet, and expects the rising star to run under 48 seconds within the next two years.
Jackson, 21, ran her personal best twice in securing a bronze medal in the 400m at the World Championships currently taking place in Beijing, China, and Francis says the sky is the limit for this talented youngster.
“She ran the 400m in high school and we all know she wasn’t fond of it. But I believe that, first of all, she is not a
100m-type sprinter, so by running the 400 it would help her 200. I also believe that she can run under 48 [seconds] in a couple of years, and we will make a good go at it and see what happens,” said the doting coach.
Jackson, who entered the World Championships with a personal best of 50.31 seconds, lowered it to 50.03 in the semi-finals before going even better, dipping below the 50-second barrier with a new personal best of 49.99 seconds.
Jamaica’s national 400m record of 49.30 has been held by Lorraine Fenton since 2002.
“I was hoping that this championships would be a breakthrough for the youngsters I have in my group prior to the Olympics, and I think it’s turning out quite well,” a very pleased Francis said.
“Right now she (Shericka) is very injury-prone, and like most of the athletes who just enter the programme, they tend to break down at least for the first three years,” he pointed out.
“The emphasis is to keep her away from much of the explosive stuff to make sure she can compete. Last year she had injuries which hampered her progress. If next year she can stay injury-free, Shericka will make huge improvement again,” said Francis.
“We have to be patient and usually after three years in the programme the athletes finally strengthen up. So after the Olympics I am sure she will be able to turn her attention to running the 200m, if it’s not too hot for her to get in there,” he informed.
The Francis-led MVP club is arguably the most powerful in the world with 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson, young Jackson, Nesta Carter, Julian Forte, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Christine Day and O’Dayne Richards.