Shericka Jackson may have notched a season’s best over the weekend, but instead of fanfare and applause, her performance at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston has triggered a storm of criticism.
The two-time World Champion clocked 22.53 seconds in the 200m, her fastest time of 2025, yet the conversation within the track and field community has been far from celebratory.
In what was only her second 200m race of the season, Jackson did improve from her previous 22.79 effort in China. However, the margin wasn’t enough to ease growing concerns about her current form. And one voice leading that charge is long-time track analyst Coach Rob, who didn’t mince his words when assessing the Jamaican sprint queen’s current standing.
Speaking on his popular platform, Coach Rob Track & Field, the outspoken analyst openly questioned whether Jackson deserves to be considered a serious title contender anymore.
“The idea of Shericka breaking the world record in the 200m needs to be relinquished completely at this point in her career,” he declared.
According to Coach Rob, Jackson’s ambitions may need a dramatic reset. Rather than chasing world records or gold medals, he suggests she should simply focus on trying to secure any podium finish.
Concerns Over Fitness and Form
Coach Rob’s critique extended beyond the stopwatch. He questioned Jackson’s physical conditioning, noting she appeared “a bit heavy” and lacking the sharpness that once defined her races. In his view, she has yet to initiate her speed training program, a crucial phase for sprinters aiming to peak during the competitive summer stretch.
“Shericka doesn’t look like she started her speed program yet,” he said.
Coach Rob also cast doubt on the strategic approach of Jackson’s training base, the MVP Track Club, which he claims often dispatches athletes into meets regardless of their competitive readiness.
While some in the fanbase see Jackson’s recent outing as a calculated step in a long-term build-up, Rob contends that the performance, no matter the timing, was far from encouraging.
“Go look at Shericka’s body when she ran 21.5 and look at this version of Shericka now in 2025. This version of Shericka will not run under 22,” he warned.
A Pivotal Moment in Jackson’s Career
The harsh reality for Jackson is that the Jamaican national championships are fast approaching, and with them, crucial decisions about Olympic team selections. No one knows yet whether Jackson can shake off the doubts and rediscover her championship-winning edge.
For now, though, the pressure is squarely on her shoulders. The clock is ticking, and so are the critics. Track fans aren’t patient enough to wait for a gradual resurgence, they want clear, undeniable performances.
As Coach Rob summed up, this is no longer about world records. It’s about survival at the top in one of the most competitive eras of women’s sprinting. And Jackson’s response in the coming weeks will determine whether she remains part of that conversation, or fades from it.
