Shericka Jackson’s relentless pursuit of the women’s 200m world record continues after her recent Brussels attempt

Shericka Jackson has continued to impress all season. Her masterful wins in Eugene at 100m and 200m in 10.70 and 21.57 were exciting as she did all summer. The 200m WR will just be another day, per Deji Ogeyingbo. 

Shericka Jackson’s relentless pursuit of the women’s 200m world record continues after her recent Brussels attempt.

When Shericka Jackson stormed down the line in the women’s 200m inside Brussels’ re-vamped King Baudouin Stadium, she let out a cheeky face with her tongue out after she took a look at the clock and the flash time on the screen was 21.48s. Almost like, “What mere do I need to do to take down this record?

A tinge of disappointment might have ensued, but she replaced the glum with a smile at the end. You can’t fault her, really. She gave it her all. A world record attempt in the sprint rarely happens, and that’s largely because most of the records were set by outliers for both men and women. Although there have been conversations about whether the ones from the women’s side should have come under more scrutiny. That argument is moot. We can only deal with the present, and Jackson showed us she’s drawing ever closer once again.

Interestingly, this was the very same track Yohan Blake blazed down to run the second fastest time in the men’s 200m, clocking 19.26s. With its little innovation this year, many thought this was the perfect time for Jackson to take down the record of 21.34s, currently held by the legendary Florence Griffith-Joyner and has stood since 1988.

The Brussels Diamond League had drawn spectators who were buzzing and were willing to take down the roof with the anticipation was palpable as Jackson took her position on the starting blocks. The buzz in the stadium was electric, with fans, fellow athletes, and coaches all fixated on the moment. The world watched as she launched herself down the track with explosive power, her muscular frame slicing through the air like a missile.

For the race’s first half, Jackson appeared to be on pace to make history. Her form was impeccable, her strides long and powerful, and her determination etched across her face, streaking past Daryll Neita of Great Britain down the bend. But as she rounded the final bend and entered the home stretch, it became clear that breaking the world record was no small feat.

While fast and renowned for producing world-class times, the Brussels track was not enough to…