Leading up to the start of the JAAA Jamaica National Championships this weekend, word on the ground was that Shericka Jackson was going to be the surprise package at this meet. The early indication is that there just might be something those words.

The 26-year-old Jackson, an Olympic and World Championship 400m bronze medalist, ran a personal best 10.91 to advance as the fastest woman into to Friday evening’s 100m semi-finals.

Running in heat three of four, Jackson was a picture of composure as she sped across the line eclipsing her previous personal best of 11.02 and stunning those who witnessed it.

Also advancing was Natasha Morrison, who was second in the heat in 11.06. Shian Hyde ran 11.50 to also advance.

World leader Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce had set the early trend in the opening heat when she bounced to an easy 10.97 to advance along with Sashalee Forbes (11.13) and Remona Burchell, who clocked 11.14.

Not to be outdone, 2016 Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, the second fastest Jamaican this year, eased to a 10.96 clocking to win Heat 2 and advance to the semi-finals along with Natalliah Whyte (11.13) and Shockoria Wallace (11.22).

Briana Williams, the national U20 record holder at 10.97, showed that she will not be outrun by anyone cruising to an 11.00 clocking to also advance from Heat 4 along with Kemba Nelson (11.05) and Kevona Davis (11.19).

Also advancing to the semi-finals on time are Ashanti Moore (11.15), Kashieka Cameron (11.28), Jodean Williams (11.45) and Schillonie Calvert-Powell 11.53.

Yohan Blake is the second-fastest man of all time and he looked the part in running his season-best time of 10.03 easing up considerably before he crossed the line. The second-fastest time of the evening came from Jamaican import Davonte Burnett, who looked comfortable running 10.05 to be an automatic qualifier from Heat 3.

Also through to the semis are Julian Forte and Oblique Seville, who both cruised to similar times of 10.08 in Heat 4.

In Heat 1 Tyquendo Tracey and Nigel Ellis were both credited with 10.13 and advanced along with Romario Williams, who clocked 10.27.

Also advancing to Friday’s semi-finals were Senoj-jay Givans (10.20), Oshane Bailey (10.26), Andre Ewers (10.22), Bryan Levell (10.25), Jelani Walker (10.32), Michael Campbell (10.25), Ashanie Smith (10.25), Jevaughn Minzie (10.27) and Ramone Barnswell (10.32).

Jazeel Murphy must be cursing his luck as it appeared as if he believed there was a false start in his heat and almost came to a complete stop. On realizing that it wasn’t he sprinted ahead and crossed in 10.34. That pause caused him fractions of a second and left him on the outside looking in 0.02s shy of the final qualifying spot.