BUDAPEST, Hungary (August 25) — Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson made an emphatic statement on Day 7 of the Track and Field World Championships 2023 in Budapest here today. Bouncing back from her second-place finish in the 100m, Jackson defended her 200m title in style, blazing through the finish line in a phenomenal 21.41 seconds.
No One Could Challenge A Determined Shericka Jackson
Not only was it the fastest time of her illustrious career, but it also goes down as the second-quickest ever recorded, narrowly missing Flo Jo’s iconic world record by a mere 0.07 seconds.
“I ran a good race tonight,” the Jamaican said. “21.41 is a time I cannot complain about. It feels good that even though I used to run 400m I can still do a very good 100m and 200m. I feel like I am a living testimony that you can create something if you really want it and never give up.”
She added that the world record wasn’t part of her plans today. “Even if I was pretty close to the world record it was not the thing on my mind when I ran. I will continue to work and I hope I can maintain at least this level and we will see if the world record will come.”
Read more: Day 7: How to watch World Athletics Championships 2023 – schedule, startlists, live results
From the moment the gun was fired, Jackson was in a class of her own. She dominated the first half of the race, and with each stride in the final 100m, widened the gap between her and the rest of the field. This stellar performance secured a championship record, further underlining her status as one of the all-time greats.
The USA’s Gabby Thomas, fresh off her Olympic bronze medal performance, took the silver in 21.81 seconds. Sha’Carri Richardson, the world 100m champion claimed bronze with a new personal best of 21.92 seconds, once again running from the challenging outer lane number nine.
“I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the screen afterwards,” said Thomas. “I ran my race and I stayed composed so I am happy to come out with a silver…But it was such a fast race.”
Noah Lyles Completes Sprint Double Comfortably
On the men’s side, the USA’s Noah Lyles etched his name even deeper into the annals of track history. He clinched his third consecutive 200m world title with a scorching 19.52 seconds, completing a memorable sprint double.
Following him home was his compatriot and the US champion Erriyon Knighton, who secured silver with a time of 19.75 seconds.
Meanwhile, Botswana’s sprint sensation and 100m silver medalist, Letsile Tebogo, wrapped up the podium finishes, bagging the bronze in 19.81 seconds.
Photo: Shericka Jackson wins world championships women’s 200m. Photo by Getty Images for World Athletics
