The grand finale of the Diamond League meet in Zurich will take place this week, and Shericka Jackson is bound to be the highlight of the show as competitive individual winners will get their chance at trophies and cash prizes.
Multiple Jamaican sprinters will be in attendance, including Jackson who walked away with first place in the 200m race in Eugene, Oregon, back in July at the World Championships. She also snatched the silver medal in the 100m and will be on the warpath as she goes for broke in both the 100m and 200m in the coming days.
She currently leads both qualifiers in the 100m and 200m races, docking 35 and 23 points respectively.
As the months of fierce competitiveness come to a close, the winners of their respective heats will be granted wildcard byes for the new year’s (2023) World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Jackson has one win in the 100m, three second-place qualifiers, and one third-place finish under her belt, while she came out with one second and two first-place finishes in the half-lap event. Her only defeat stems from a loss to US athlete Gabrielle Thomas in Doha.
If her victory is secured, Jackson will be able to join the ranks of powerful female athletes to win a Diamond League double within the same year. She would be the fifth to earn the title. US athlete Carmelita Jeter and Jackson’s fellow countrywoman and teammate, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won double in the 100m and 200m events as well as Bahamian sprinter Shaunae Miller Uibo and American Allison Felix who had double victories in the 200m and 400m events.
The Jamaican sprinter (Jackson) will walk away with US$30,000 as well as two trophies if she is able to secure double wins in her respective races. Her campaign is scheduled to be kick-started on Thursday (the second day of the meet) when she will challenge the 100m at 1:23 PM (Jamaica time) and the 200m following shortly at 2:31 PM.
