Two-time world 200m champion Shericka Jackson again produced an outstanding run, but fell 14 hundredths short of American Florence Griffith Joyner’s half-lap world record of 21.34 sec, set when she won the Olympic title in Seoul in 1988.
The Jamaican sprinter won the 200m at the Brussels Diamond League in 21.48 sec (0.2m/sec). She thus achieved the fourth fastest time in the history of the discipline, set a new Diamond League record and a new tournament record. The previous event record was 21.64 sec by her legendary compatriot Merlene Ottey in 1991.
Anthonique Strachan (Bahamas) finished second in half a lap at the Brussels Diamond League with 22.31 sec, and third was Jenna Prandini (USA) with 22.47 sec.
“You just have to do your best and that’s what I did today”, said Shericka Jackson, who now owns three of the four best times in history. “I felt really good tonight, I definitely feel like I’m getting closer to that record. But it’s also important to have fun, and I really had fun tonight. It’s been a good season and I hope to get another win and get close to that record”, added she.
The 29-year-old Jamaican also added that she will have another chance to break the 200m world record at the finals in Oregon later this month. Shericka Jackson’s personal best is 21.41 sec, which he used to win the world title in Budapest last month.
