Jackson ‘physically well’ to face rivals in Lausanne 200m

Two-time World 200 metres champion Shericka Jackson has declared herself “physically well” as she prepares for her first race since the death of long-time coach Stephen Francis.

After a four-week break, the Wanda Diamond League resumes today with its 12th leg in Lausanne, Switzerland, where seven Jamaicans will feature. Triple jumper Jordan Scott and 400m hurdler Rushell Clayton have already secured places in next month’s grand finals in Brussels, Belgium.

Jackson, who won earlier series races in Shanghai (22.07) and Xiamen (season’s best 21.87), could seal her spot with another victory today.

Speaking at a pre-meet press conference, she admitted uncertainty about her mental state but insisted that she is physically ready.

“Mentally, I do not know how good I am at the moment, but I am physically well. I do not know what to expect,” Jackson said.

Asked about the new track surface, she replied: “I did not even know that it was a new track, but I am just prepared to do my best.”

Jackson faces European champion Amy Hunt of Great Britain (22.19) and American Kayla White (21.92). She also has a busy weekend ahead, with a 100m race in Silesia, Poland, two days later.

In the men’s long jump, Jamaicans Tajay Gayle and Wayne Pinnock, ranked third and fourth, will also be chasing final berths.

Scott opens Jamaica’s campaign at 12:10 p.m. Jamaica time in the triple jump. The Diamond League leader with 22 points and a personal best of 17.76m, he will face Italy’s Andy Hernandez Diaz (18.15m) and Portugal’s Pedro Pichardo (17.76m).

Clayton, with a season’s best of 53.05, contests the 400m hurdles against world leader Emma Zapletalova of Slovakia (52.30) and Americans Anna Cockrell (52.77) and Jasmine Jones (52.91).

National 100m hurdles champion Demisha Roswell lines up in her event, and Orlando Bennett competes in the men’s 110m hurdles, a non-Diamond League race.

Jamaicans in Action Today

12:10 p.m. — Men’s Triple Jump: Jordan Scott

1:04 p.m. — Women’s 400m Hurdles: Rushell Clayton

1:15 p.m. — Women’s 200m: Shericka Jackson

1:48 p.m. — Men’s Long Jump: Wayne Pinnock, Tajay Gayle

1:50 p.m. — Women’s 100m Hurdles: Demisha Roswell

2:23 p.m. — Men’s 110m Hurdles: Orlando Bennett