KINGSTON, Jamaica (June 27) — Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson signaled their return to form on Day 1 of the 2024 Jamaica Olympic Trials, both breaking 11 seconds in the women’s 100-meter heats at Kingston’s National Stadium on Thursday night.
Jackson, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist from Tokyo 2021, clocked a season’s best 10.99 seconds in heat one, building a sizable lead before easing off at the 60m mark to cruise home with the second-fastest time of the round. The world 200m champion’s comfortable victory in her second 100m appearance this season set the tone for the evening.
Two-time Olympic 100m champion Fraser-Pryce followed with an equally impressive performance in the second heat, posting the fastest qualifying time of 10.98 seconds. Her strong showing dispelled any doubts about her form and fitness leading into the trials.
Tia Clayton, the two-time World U20 champion, secured second place behind Fraser-Pryce with a notable 11.02 seconds, advancing to the semi-finals alongside Ashanti Moore (11.24).
Meanwhile, Shashalee Forbes, bouncing back from an early-season injury, dominated the fourth heat with a time of 11.03 seconds. Krystal Sloley (11.12) and Tina Clayton (11.13) rounded out the top three in that heat.
Natasha Morrison won heat three in 11.12 seconds, with Kemba Nelson close behind at 11.16.
Other notable qualifiers for the semi-finals included Jodean Williams (11.01), Alana Reid (11.20), and Briana Williams (11.25).
The strong performances across the board set the stage for intense competition in the upcoming rounds, as Jamaica’s top sprinters vie for spots on the Olympic team to Paris 2024.