On the final day of the Jamaican Olympic trials, Shericka Jackson (29) secured the sprint double by winning the women’s 200 meters, while Ackera Nugent (22) set a national record in the 100 hurdles.
Jackson, the double 200m world champion, crossed the finish line in 22.29 seconds, marking her best performance of the year. Close behind were Lanae-Tava Thomas (22.34) in second and Niesha Burgher (22.39) in third.
“I’m pretty pleased given how the season was going,” said Jackson, who won a bronze in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics. “I ran a season best yesterday and came back with another season best today, so I’m definitely happy. I’m happy and healthy, so it’s go-time for the Olympics.”
Nugent clocked 12.28 seconds in the 100 hurdles, beating twice world champion Danielle Williams (12.53) and Janeek Brown (12.61). Nugent emphasized her focus on controlling speed between hurdles ahead of the trials.
“This is something that I’ve written down for myself, it’s on my mirror, it’s on my phone, so I knew that I was capable,” Nugent said. “As long as I trusted the process and remained coachable, everything would come together at the end.”
Though Nugent’s time was a world-leading mark, it lasted less than an hour before Masai Russell posted 12.25 at the US Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon.
“There are other phenomenal ladies out there that will be coming, so the only thing I can do is focus on me,” Nugent added. “It’s my first full year as a professional, so it’s just about making the adjustments with better runs.”
In the men’s 110 hurdles, a photo finish was required to determine the winner. Commonwealth Games champion Rasheed Broadbell prevailed with a time of 13.18, just five-thousandths of a second ahead of Orlando Bennett. Defending Olympic champion Hansle Parchment finished third in 13.19.
Bryan Levell won the men’s 200m with a personal best of 19.97, followed by Andrew Hudson (20.02) and Javari Thomas (20.32).
Nickisha Pryce retained her 400m title with a time of 50.01. Stacey Ann Williams finished second in 50.56, and Junelle Bromfield placed third in 51.24.
As the athletes prepare for the upcoming Olympics, the performances at the Jamaican trials highlight the depth of talent and determination in the team. Both Jackson and Nugent, alongside their fellow competitors, demonstrate the hard work and dedication that will propel them onto the world stage.
