"It's in reach for Shericka Jackson" - Gabby Thomas backs Jamaican rival to break 200m world record at Paris Olympics 2024

By Soumik Bhattacharya

Modified Jul 19, 2024 22:16 GMT

2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, Gabby Thomas, recently opened up about her Jamaican rival Shericka Jackson's chances of breaking Florence Griffith Joyner's 200m record at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. This comes roughly a week before the start of the grand event.

In the Women's 200m event, Thomas and Jackson will be the forerunners for the title keeping in mind what both athletes have shown in the earlier tournaments this season. Moreover, with season bests of 21.78 seconds and 22.29 seconds, Thomas and Jackson will also be top contenders to break Flo-Jo's record of 21.34 seconds.

Jackson in particular has been exemplary with the way she has carried her form throughout the season. Moreover, the way she has turned her momentum around from going through a disappointing performance in the Oslo Diamond League to winning the Stockholm Diamond League and Jamaican National Championships symbolizes the formidable skill and mental toughness she possesses.

Speaking about her and Shericka Jackson's chances of breaking the 200m record, Gabby Thomas told the Guardian:

"I think it’s in reach for Shericka. I think it’s in reach for me at the Olympics, if the conditions are right. The super-fast tracks are now incredible, and my sponsors New Balance have put a lot of development into our spikes. You really feel like you’re getting a lot back from the track.”

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Gabby Thomas solidifies berth for the Paris Olympics

Thomas at the US Olympics Track and Field Trials (Image via: Getty)

Gabby Thomas produced a scintillating performance in Eugene as she clinched the top position in the Women's 200m event finals of the U.S Olympic Track and Field Trials. The 27-year-old managed a run time of 21.81 seconds to advance to her second Olympics.

After winning a bronze last time around in Tokyo in the 200m event, Thomas will have another opportunity to show her prowess on the global stage. Following this dominant victory, the Georgian native elaborated on her feelings in one of the post-match interviews. She said to NBC:

"This is incredible. I knew I had to get today done, and this was the first step. There is no gold medal in Paris without making the team today, so I'm just ecstatic. To be alongside these amazing, incredible women and everyone in the final, it's just such an amazing race."

Gabby Thomas was followed by Brittany Brown and McKenzie Long in the second and third positions with run times of 21.90 seconds and 21.91 seconds respectively.