JACKSON FULLY FOCUSED ON THE 400m

Photo: World Championship 400m bronze medallist, Shericka Jackson

World Championship 400m bronze medallist, Shericka Jackson, ran a very good anchor leg to pilot her UTech team to victory in the Women’s 4×400 relay for clubs and institutions at the recent Gibson-McCook Relays in 3:31.79 seconds. They defeated Cameron Blazers 3:33.83 seconds and GC Foster College 3:40.02 seconds but failed to dip below their own record of 3:29.87 seconds.

“We are pretty satisfied, because every win is a sweet victory and winning was our main aim for coming out here. Disappointed a bit with the time we ran, but I know as the season progress we will go faster,” Jackson told Yardie Sports.

The former Vere Technical star responding to question of the possibility of doing the 200-400m double she revealed that her interest lies primarily with the 400m event for now.

As with several of her MVP teammates, she relies on the expertise of her coach to determine the events she pursues for 2016.

“My coach will make all these decisions. For now I am doing the 400m and am giving it my best shot. I am a person once I sprint I get hurt so I don’t want to risk that now by looking to do the 200m. I just want to stay fit and healthy,” Jackson reasoned.

Jackson in her debut World Championship managed to reach the medal podium twice, which came as a surprise to her despite knowing her talent in the 400m. Those achievements have spurred her on to go after even greater things in 2016.

“The season is coming on pretty well. Last season was a really surprising season for me and this season I want to stay focused and be mentally prepared to do much better.”

Last year she got by a few established and more accomplished athletes in that epic 400m final, but knows this year another young talent could rise to surprise others, including herself.

“You just want to stay focused no matter what or who will be targeting you. Every year you see a new talent coming up. So you can’t focus on one set of persons, because a lot of potential is out there building,” she stressed.

Jackson was a part of the 4x400m relay team that eclipsed the USA to win gold at the World Championships in Beijing,China.