Shericka Jackson is back on the track, ready to turn the page after a challenging 2024 season. The reigning 200m world champion made her return at the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Invitational Meet on Saturday, clocking 7.18 seconds in the 60m dash to secure a second-place finish. This marked her first competitive outing since July 2024, when injuries cut her season short.
In her comeback race, the 30-year-old sprinter finished just behind Jodean Williams, who posted 7.15 seconds. Though not her personal best of 7.04 seconds, Jackson’s performance at this early stage of the season has drawn optimism from her coach, Paul Francis of the MVP Track Club.
“These early meets are all about execution and shaking off rust,” Francis said. “Shericka delivered a solid performance—better than she’s ever done at this time of year. That speaks volumes about her progress.”
Jackson’s return to the 60m is notable, as it’s the first time she has competed at this distance since 2023. Additionally, this season’s start is her earliest since 2019, signaling her readiness to tackle the challenges of a packed 2025 calendar.
The journey back to the track wasn’t without its setbacks. Despite her dominant wins in the 100m and 200m at the 2024 National Senior Championships, Jackson was sidelined during the Paris Olympics due to injuries. Now, Francis is focused on ensuring she’s in peak condition for what could be a monumental year.
“Shericka’s ability to race at this point shows her recovery has gone well. She’s in good shape, and we’re taking it step by step,” Francis added.
Looking ahead, Jackson has her eyes set on defending her 200m title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September. A three-peat in the event would solidify her legacy as one of the greats. Additionally, she may also compete in the 100m, where she previously claimed silver in both 2022 and 2023.
Despite the high stakes, Francis emphasizes a philosophy of steady growth rather than imposing expectations. “Our goal is simple: to prepare athletes to perform at their best when it matters most,” he stated.
Jackson’s resilience and determination will undoubtedly be key as she embarks on this new chapter. While her fans eagerly anticipate her performances, one thing is clear: Shericka Jackson’s journey in 2025 has begun with promise and purpose.
