Ace sprinter and MVP athlete Shericka Jackson cemented a back-to-back win in the women’s 100-metre dash, defending her title with a commanding 10.65-second run at the Jamaica Track and Field Championships on Friday (July 7).

Under the lights of the National Stadium in Kingston, Jackson was unassailable in lane five, finishing ahead of Sashalee Forbes with a time of 10.96s and Natasha Morrison in third (10.98s). Only relay slots will be available for 4×100 gold medalist Briana Williams and Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who finished fourth and fifth in the 100m final.

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10.65! That’s how fast Shericka Jackson is at this time! 2nd was Sashalee Forbes with 10.96 and 3rd Natasha Morrison 10.98! Brianna Williams 11.01!#JAAA@Athletics_JA @MCGESJamaica pic.twitter.com/rdiJQRNLWd

— Athletics Jamaica (@Athletics_JA) July 8, 2023

She now jumps to joint fifth on the global 100m all-best ranking alongside American Marion Jones’ 10.65s performance in September 1998 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In the men’s equivalent, young debutant Rohan Watson staged a shocking upset storming to a sporty 9.91s.

The MVP athlete had to steel himself for the maiden national title and held his mettle in lane seven to finish ahead of Ryeim Forde (9.96s) and Oblique Seville (10.00s).

WATCH:

Another MVP shocker! Rohan Watson finishes like a train to win 100m final in 9.91, Ryeim Forde 9.96 and Oblique Seville 10.00 for 3rd. Ackeem Blake 4th with 10.01! Wow!#JAAA@Athletics_JA @MCGESJamaica pic.twitter.com/rm9scUksag

— Athletics Jamaica (@Athletics_JA) July 8, 2023

The time by 21-year-old Watson is identical to the joint ninth-fastest clocking this year by Kishane Thompson the day prior, who convincingly won his semi-final race.

Roshawn Clarke was in impressive form, running a personal best and equalling the world junior record to become national champion in the men’s 400m hurdles final.

Stopping the clock at 47.85s, Clarke finished ahead of prolific world-stage finalist Jaheel Hyde (48.45s) and Assinie Wilson (48.50s), who booked their respective tickets to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

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Roshawn Clarke equalled the World Junior Record of 47.85 with this win!
Jaheel Hyde was 2nd with 48.45!
New diamond! #JAAA@Athletics_JA @MCGESJamaica pic.twitter.com/km31fBgd1l

— Athletics Jamaica (@Athletics_JA) July 8, 2023

Janieve Russull would not be denied a record fifth national title, digging deep to emerge victorious in the women’s 400m hurdles final.

In a competitive 53.75s time, Russell was able to hold on ahead of fast-finishing Andrenette Knight (53.78s) and Rushell Clayton (53.81s).

WATCH:

Janieve Russell ran a blinder! She won the 400mh final with 53.72, with Andrenette Knight 2nd in 53.78 and Rushell Clayton 3rd in 53.87. What a spectacle! pic.twitter.com/QoE0GYgDDH

— Athletics Jamaica (@Athletics_JA) July 8, 2023