Jackson says a lot went into decision to withdraw from 100m at Paris Olympics
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson revealed that significant consideration went into both her and her coach’s decision to withdraw from the 100-meter event at the Paris Olympics.
The announcement of her withdrawal came on Wednesday, with Jamaica’s track officials confirming that Shashalee Forbes would replace Jackson in the event.
READ: Shericka Jackson Out of 100m at Olympics
“It’s a combination of a lot of stuff. And, as I said, coach and I made the decision not to contest the 100m and I think we are pretty happy with that,” Jackson told reporters in Paris, France.
When asked about her fitness for the 200m, given that her last race in Hungary ended with her limping across the finish line in eighth place, Jackson assured that she is in good shape to compete.
Jackson explained that she was not scheduled to participate in any other races following her performance in Hungary earlier this month.
“Honestly I was only supposed to compete in that event and as coach stated we only ran a few races in Europe and I think that was the only race that all of us were supposed to run. After that, no person who was going to the Olympics had competed. I think I am pretty good; I’m in pretty good shape and I’m okay,” she said.
Regarding the pursuit of a world record in the 200m, Jackson stated that it’s not her current focus, considering her season’s progression.
The women’s 200m heats are scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 4, at 3:55 am Jamaica time.