Sherika Jackson’s quest for history in the women’s 200 meters will continue in 2024. Despite falling short of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s world record, Jackson was able to break the meet record and win the Diamond League title with a time of 21.57 at the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field. The previous meet record of 21.77 was set by the late Tori Bowie in 2017.
The win capped an undefeated season for Jackson, which included a gold medal at the World Championships and the second-fastest time in history at 21.41. However, Griffith-Joyner’s world record of 21.34 from the 1988 Seoul Olympics will remain intact until the 2024 Olympics.
In the race, Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou finished second with a season-best time of 22.10. Third place was taken by Anthonik Strachan from the Bahamas with a time of 22.16. Tee Tee Terry, Kayla White and Jenna Prandini, all representing the United States, finished fourth, sixth and seventh with times of 22.21, 22.49 and 22.68.
Overall, Jackson’s undefeated season and Diamond League victory set her up as a strong contender for the upcoming 2024 Olympics, where she will continue her pursuit of history in the women’s 200m.