Shericka Jackson suffers huge setback at Gyulai István Memorial ahead of Paris Olympics 

Shericka Jackson faced a huge setback at the Gyulai István Memorial in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, being forced to withdraw due to an apparent injury as the Paris Olympic Games fast approach. The two-time world 200m champion failed to finish the race as Julien Alfred won the 200m at the event.

St. Lucia’s Alfred equaled her season-best time, clocking a stunning 22.16 to cross the finish line in the race at the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. Great Britain’s Daryll Neita finished second in 22.36 as Lanae-Tava Thomas of Jamaica sealed the podium, stopping the clock at 22.54.

The race was off to a great start and Shericka Jackson had taken the lead in the home straight but suddenly stopped with about 30m to go. The other runners continued running and eventually crossed the finish line as Jackson walked off the track.

Citius Magazine shared a post on X, explaining the turn of events as they disclosed that Shericka Jackson also had her knee tapped.

"Oh! Julien Alfred takes the 200m in 22.16 at the Istvan Memorial-Hungarian Athletics GP. 200m World champion Shericka Jackson pulled up and did not finish the race. She was able to walk off the track on her own. She also had her knee taped up," Citius Magazine said in the post.

Jackson’s scare comes after Elaine Thompson-Herah was forced to pull out of the event due to a nagging injury. The 32-year-old was due to defend her 100m and 200m titles but left the mantle to Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce but her injury will leave fans scratching their heads.

Track Gazette shared on their X, explaining that Jackson’s therapist has since cleared the air on the magnitude of the injury Shericka Jackson suffered.

A post on their X read:

"Shericka Jackson's physiotherapist, Troy Evans, has confirmed via Instagram that the World Champion didn't pick up a serious injury. She had a cramp in her hamstring."

Shericka Jackson to double at Paris 2024 after impressing at Jamaican Olympic trials

Shericka Jackson at Prefontaine Classic: Day 1 - Diamond League 2023

Shericka Jackson oozed class at the Jamaican Olympic trials, clinching wins in the 100m and 200m final to punch her ticket to the Paris Olympic Games.

She clocked a stunning 10.84 to win the 100m final of the race ahead of Tia Clayton and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who clocked 10.90 and 10.94. In the women’s 200m final, Jackson won the race in 22.29 ahead of Lanae-Tava Thomas and Niesha Burgher who clocked 22.34 and 22.39.

The Jamaican was off to a slow start to her season, stopping the clock at 22.82 to win the Diamond League Meeting in Rabat. She then finished fifth at the Diamond League Meeting in Oslo, competing in the 200m before turning up at the Diamond League Meeting in Stockholm before the Jamaican Olympic trials.

In the 100m, Jackson raced only once, winning the race in her season opener at the JAAA All Comers Series #1.

Going into the Olympic Games, all eyes will be on the 29-year-old to deliver. She has yet to win an Olympic gold medal in the 200m event. During the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Jackson slowed down a few meters to the finish line and missed a slot in the final.