PARIS: Two-time world champion Shericka Jackson withdrew from heats for the Olympic 200m today in another hammer blow for the Jamaican team.
The withdrawal of Jackson, who had already pulled out of the 100m won by St Lucia’s Julien Alfred today, follows that of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce from the blue riband event.
Jackson’s non-appearance in the heats was only evident by the late addition of “DNS” (Did Not Start) alongside her name on the official start sheet.
The semifinals are scheduled for 6.45pm tomorrow, with the final listed for 7.40pm on Tuesday.
Jackson, 30, had described her decision to skip the 100m as a “good decision”.
“You have to do the best for your body and your mind and your soul. I’m okay with the decision.”
Jackson’s teammate Elaine Thompson-Herah, missing from Paris through injury, won both the 100m and 200m at the Tokyo Olympics.