Shericka Jackson (centre) finished ahead of Krystal Sloley (right) and Natasha Morrison (left) in her qualifying round of the women’s 100m of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s National Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday. (Photo: Collin Reid)
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shericka Jackson produced a timely reminder of her pedigree on Thursday after she strolled to a smooth 11.20 seconds (-1.4m/s) to lead the qualifiers for Saturday’s semi-finals in the women’s 100m of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s National Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston.
Jackson has competed sparingly this season after missing last year’s Olympic Games with an injury, causing speculations about her form, but erased any doubts with a dominant display as she edged Krystal Sloley— 11.30 seconds and Natasha Morrison— 11.45 seconds.
Many times national champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Olympic finalist Tia Clayton, Briana Williams and Alana Reid all made progress to what is expected to be another thrilling semi-finals and final on Saturday.
Tia Clayton also won her heat, running 11.21 seconds (-2.6m/s), finishing ahead of Jonielle Smith— 11.28 seconds and Reid— 11.42 seconds.
Tia Clayton (centre) won her heat of the women’s 100m at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s National Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday. She finished ahead of Jonielle Smith (left) and Alana Reid (right). (Photo: Collin Reid)
Tina Clayton (right) won her heat of the women’s 100m of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s National Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday. She finished ahead of Briana Williams (left). (Photo: Collin Reid)
Fraser-Pryce, who will retire after this season, looked in great form as she took control of her race from the start and won with 11.33 seconds (-2.1m/s), finishing ahead of Carleta Bernard— 11.47 seconds and Kemba Nelson— 11.48 seconds.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was first in her qualifying round of the women’s 100m of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s National Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday. She finished ahead of Carleta Bernard (right) and Kemba Nelson (left). (Photo: Collin Reid)
Two-time World Under 20 champion Tina Clayton won her heat in 11.27 seconds (-2.2m/s) beating Williams’ 11.37 seconds and schoolgirl Shanoya Douglas’ 11.67 seconds.
— Paul Reid