Paris, France — National triple jump champion Shanieka Ricketts is heading into her third Olympic Games with a renewed focus and determination to earn her first medal.
The 32-year-old athlete is mentally prepared to achieve a podium finish at the Paris Olympics this year.
Ricketts failed to make the final 12 in her first Olympic appearance in Rio 2016 and finished fourth at Tokyo 2021. This season she has a best jump of 14.68m, but despite this, she believes that executing her jumps properly will secure her a place among the medals.
Hungry and determined
“I am hungry, determined, and focused going into this championship,” Ricketts told the media. “When it comes to the triple jump at the Olympic Games, it doesn’t matter what happens before; it is all about who shows up, and that is what I have been focusing on, making sure that I show up at the Olympic Games.”
Thea Lafond leads the world rankings with a 15.01m this season, in the injury absence of world record holder, Venezuela’s Yolimar Rojas, making the Dominican the only woman to surpass 15 meters. Ricketts, a 2019 World Championships silver medalist with a personal best of 15.03m, understands the challenge ahead but remains confident in her abilities. She believes that a jump of at least 15m will be necessary to secure a podium finish.
“I think to be on the podium, you have to jump at least 15m; 14.9m might be on the podium, but I think the safe distance is 15m, so that is definitely what I am targeting for the Olympic Games,” Ricketts explained. “Training has been going exceptionally well, and although not all of it shows in competition, I am confident and ahead of where I was last year in training. I am definitely looking forward to just going out there and putting my best foot forward.”
Grounded and focused on executing
Despite her confidence, Ricketts remains grounded and focused on executing each jump with precision. “I am ready and excited, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I am taking each day as it comes,” she said just ahead of Friday’s Opening Ceremony.
“Tonight I am carrying the flag as one of the Jamaican flag bearers, and next week Friday and Saturday, I will be competing, so, I am just taking it day by day and trying not to get too overwhelmed so that I can stay composed and compete to the best of my abilities.”
As Ricketts prepares for her events, she embodies a balance of excitement and humility, ensuring she stays focused on her goal of reaching the Olympic podium with a jump of 15 meters or more.
