Shericka Jackson Withdraws from Women’s 100m at 2024 Paris Olympics

Two-time 200-meter world champion, Shericka Jackson, has officially withdrawn from the women’s 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The news was first reported by Television Jamaica’s Kayon Raynor via Twitter, who cited confirmation from Jamaica’s athletics manager, Ludlow Watts. Shashalee Forbes will replace Jackson in the women’s 100-meter event.

Jackson also confirmed her withdrawal during an interview today, stating that she will only compete in the 200m event.

This decision comes after Jackson pulled up with an apparent injury during a 200m race at the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix earlier this month. However, her sports therapist confirmed, at the time, that her DNF was not injury-related.

Jackson’s absence from the 100m dash is a significant blow to Jamaica’s gold-medal prospects. Her personal best of 10.65 seconds is tied for the fifth fastest ever in the event. Jamaica has a strong legacy in the women’s 100m, having won gold at the past four Olympics with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in 2008 and 2012, and Elaine Thompson-Herah in 2016 and 2020.

The preliminary round of the women’s 100m starts on Friday, with the finals set for Saturday. Jamaica will be closely watching this event as the team continues to strive for Olympic glory.