Why did Shericka Jackson withdraw from the 100m at Paris Olympics 2024? Exploring the reasons behind Jamaican's withdrawal

2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist in Women's 100m, Shericka Jackson recently elaborated on her decision to withdraw from the 100m event of the Paris Olympics 2024. This decision came earlier today (July 31, Wednesday), just two days before Women's 100m preliminary rounds start.

Jackson qualified for the 100m event in Paris last month after her performance at the Jamaican National Championships in Kingston. The Jamaican clinched the top podium finish in the finals with a season-best run time of 10.84 seconds. However, she surprisingly announced her decision to withdraw from the event on Wednesday.

Following this decision, Jackson opened up about why she withdrew in a conversation with Citius Meg. She stated during the interview that she is set to focus completely on the Women's 200m owing to which she withdrew from the 100m sprint.

Besides, she also mentioned that the injury she suffered during the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this month has also contributed to her decision. She said:

“The decision is just to protect my body. As I’ve said for the last three years, I’ve been competing in both events. It’s a combination of both just focusing on one event and what happened in Hungary.”

During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Jackson had to walk off during the middle of the race due to a slight cramp that she experienced during the 200m finals. However, she clarified during her conversation with Citius Meg that she is currently fine and focused completely on the 200m event.

Jackson's withdrawal from the 100m event will give young athletes such as Jamaica's Tia Clayton and United States sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson a great opportunity to Olympic glory.

When will Shericka Jackson compete next at the Paris Olympics 2024?

Shericka Jackson during a Diamond League event in Belgium (image via: Getty Images0

The four-time World Championships gold medalist, Shericka Jackson is all set to feature next on July, Sunday during the Women's 200m heats. Following her withdrawal from the 100m event, this is the only individual event she would compete in besides the relays.

On earning qualification in the heats, Jackson will compete in the semis of the event scheduled to be held on August 6, Tuesday. The finals will take place on the following day (August 7, Friday).

Jackson is also a part of Jamaica's 4x100m Women's relay team alongside Tia Clayton, Shashalee Forbes, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce which will compete on August 8, Thursday.