World Champion Shericka Jackson Becomes the Fifth Fastest Woman Ever

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Reigning World champion Shericka Jackson unleashed a world-leading 10.65 seconds to become the fifth fastest woman ever, as she successfully defended her national 100 meters title on Friday night.

Running out of lane five in a women’s final that included reigning Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, the 28-year-old easily separated herself from the field after only 40 meters, storming to the line without any serious challengers.

Shashalee Forbes, in lane six, finished second in 10.96 while Natasha Morrison, in lane four, was third in 10.98.

Thompson-Herah was only good enough for fifth in 11.06.

“Every time I touch the track, I want to run fast. If it doesn’t happen, I’m still grateful. But if I do run fast, I’m super grateful,” Jackson said afterwards.

Jackson’s clocking was the fifth fastest time ever, drawing her alongside disgraced former American sprinter Marion Jones.

Only the late Florence Griffith-Joyner (10.49), Thompson-Herah (10.54), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.60) and Carmelita Jeter (10.64) have gone faster.

In the process, Jackson also erased American Sha’Carri Richardson’s previous world-leading time of 10.71, established only 24 hours earlier in Eugene.

In the men’s 100 meters, 21-year-old Rohan Watson produced a stunning upset when he clocked 9.91 seconds to take victory at the National Stadium.

Watson, who also dipped below the 10-seconds barrier with 9.98 during the heats, finished ahead of Ryiem Forde (9.96) and Oblique Seville who was third in 10 seconds flat.