Shericka Jackson, the dynamic sprinter who holds the 200m world championship title, is back on the track, ready to rebuild her form and reclaim her dominance after a challenging 2024 season derailed by injuries. With the guidance of her longtime coach, Paul Francis, Jackson made her return at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Invitational Meet on Saturday, signaling a promising start to her journey in 2025.
Competing in her first race since July 2024, Jackson clocked 7.18 seconds in the 60m event, finishing just behind Jodean Williams, who secured first place in 7.15 seconds. Although it wasn’t a victory, Jackson’s return to competition marked an important milestone in her recovery. The race was her first 60m outing in two years and her earliest season debut since 2019.
Paul Francis emphasized the significance of this performance as part of Jackson’s long-term preparation. “These races are part of the process. They allow us to fine-tune execution, and she did very well for this stage,” he shared. “What matters most is her improvement and readiness for the critical points of the season.”
Jackson’s 2024 campaign ended abruptly, despite her impressive victories in the 100m and 200m at the National Senior Championships. She traveled to the Paris Olympics in hopes of competing but was ultimately sidelined by injuries. Now, with a clean bill of health, she’s focusing on what lies ahead, particularly the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, where she will chase a third consecutive 200m gold medal. Jackson is also considering a return to the 100m, where she earned silver in both 2022 and 2023.
Francis is cautiously optimistic about her trajectory, choosing to prioritize progress over pressure. “Our goal remains the same: to have our athletes perform at their best when it matters most. Shericka’s journey is about consistency, not specific benchmarks,” he noted.
For Jackson, this return is more than a comeback—it’s a statement. The determination she’s shown in training and her commitment to recovering from setbacks reflect her champion mindset. While much of the season is yet to unfold, the early signs suggest that Shericka Jackson is poised to remind the world why she’s one of track and field’s brightest stars.
