Shericka Jackson won gold in the 200 meters at the World Cup in Eugene in the night from Friday to Saturday with the second time ever. The Jamaican clocked 21.45.
Florence Griffith-Joyner is the only woman ever faster than 28-year-old Jackson. The American, who died in 1998, ran at the 1988 Games in Seoul to a time of 21.34, which has been the world record for 34 years.
Jackson was considerably faster than the competition in the Hayward Field Stadium. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who became world champion in the 100 meters last weekend, won silver in 21.81 and the bronze went to British Dina Asher-Smith in 22.02.
With her sensationally fast time, Jackson also ran the record of Dafne Schippers from the books. The Dutch ran 21.63 in the final in Beijing in 2015, which was the fastest time ever at a World Cup. Schippers’ 21.63 is still the European record.
Fastest times ever at 200 meters in the women
- 1. Florence Griffith Joyner – 21.34 (1988)
- 2. Shericka Jackson – 21.45 (2022)
- 3. Elaine Thompson-Herah – 21.53 (2021)
- 4. Shericka Jackson – 21.55 (2022) – 21.55
- 5. Florence Griffith Joyner – 21.56 (1988)
Griffith-Joyner record time is in sight
In the past two years, the Jamaican women have come closer and closer to the world record of the legendary Griffith-Joyner, who has also held the world record in the 100 meters behind her name with 10.49 for 34 years.
At the Games last year, Elaine Thompson-Herah clocked 21.53 and a month ago Jackson ran 21.55. With 21.45 Jackson dived there again in Eugene.
Fraser-Pryce remains in ten world titles due to her second place. The 34-year-old sprinter needs one more World Cup gold to match her legendary compatriot Usain Bolt.