In her highly anticipated return to the 100 meters, reigning World 200m champion Shericka Jackson delivered a commanding performance at the Wanda Rabat Diamond League in Morocco on Sunday, gliding past her rivals with practiced ease.
With a time of 11.04 seconds, Jackson found her groove mid-race, accelerating with signature poise to claim her first 100m victory of the season. Maria McCoy of Liberia secured second in 11.08 seconds, while Jacious Sears of the United States took third in 11.11 seconds.
“It was my first 100m since the Jamaica Trials last year and I am happy, and that’s the most important thing,” Jackson shared post-race. “I did a lot of stuff good, but there are a lot of things that I can improve on. But it is a good run, so I leave this competition with only happy feelings.”
Campbell delivers drama in the shot put circle
Rajindra Campbell, the Olympic bronze medalist, nearly pulled off a dramatic upset in the men’s shot put. With a season’s best 21.95 meters on his final attempt, Campbell briefly claimed the lead — only to be edged out in the final throw of the competition by the USA’s Payton Otterdahl, who unleashed a world-leading 21.97m to clinch victory. American Joe Kovacs rounded out the top three with 21.52m.
“It was a good competition. The circumstances were good, the atmosphere was nice, the stadium was packed, so it was fun to compete,” said Campbell. “It is my second meet of the year and so everything still feels rusty, but I am proud of the result.”
Knight keeps rising in the 400m hurdles
In the women’s 400m hurdles, Andrenette Knight continued her strong run of form, clocking a season’s best 53.90 to finish second behind the reigning world champion Femke Bol of the Netherlands. Making her seasonal debut in the event, Bol lived up to expectations with a blistering 52.46-second meet record.
Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso claimed third in 54.70 seconds, narrowly edging Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton (54.83), who made a commendable return after injury.
Beckford matches the best in high jump battle
In the men’s high jump, Romaine Beckford soared to a season’s best 2.25m, finishing fourth — the same height cleared by the top three, including eventual winner Hamish Kerr of New Zealand. A countback separated Beckford from the podium, though his performance matched the field’s elite.
Compatriot Raymond Richards managed a best of 2.21m, finishing ninth.
It was a tough outing for Natoya Goule-Toppin, who faded to 10th in the women’s 800m with a time of 1:59.92 minutes. The event was won by Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma in a commanding 1:57.42 minutes.
Meanwhile, on the men’s sprint stage, South Africa’s Akani Simbine extended his winning streak, capturing the 100m in a swift 9.95 seconds. Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala followed in 10.05 seconds, with Fred Kerley of the USA close behind at 10.07 seconds.
With Jackson’s smooth return, Campbell’s near-miss podium heroics, and Knight’s continued ascent, Jamaica’s stars signaled their intent — and form — as the Diamond League season heats up.
