Shericka Jackson breaks the women’s 200-meter world record in Prefontaine Classic

Shericka Jackson of Jamaica won the women’s 100-meter race in 10.70 seconds at the Diamond League finals in Eugene, Oregon, while world champion Sha’Carri Richardson came in fourth.

In their fourth meeting of the year, Jackson, who won the 200-meter gold at the World Championships in Budapest last month, defeated Richardson over 100 metres for the first time this year.

Elaine Thompson-Herah came in third with a 10.79, followed by Marie-Josee Ta Lou in second with a 10.75.

Richardson, who has a season best time of 10.65 for the world, finished fourth in 10.80 after being defeated over 100 metres for just the second time this year.

“I just wanted to come out here and execute and I think I did pretty good this evening,” Jackson said. “I’m grateful. I’m here, I’m enjoying myself and tomorrow is another competition day.”

Richardson won’t compete in the 200m, but Jackson will return to action at Hayward Field on Sunday. The 29-year-old will attempt to break Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 1988 200m world mark of 21.34.

Last month, Jackson defended his 200-meter world championship with the second-fastest speed in history—a shocking 21.41 seconds—which completely crushed the best competitors.

“I just started sprinting in 2021 and to be among these great female sprinters is a good feeling,” Jackson said. “It always helps to push you.”

Richardson, who achieved her first major global victory in Budapest, said she wasn’t very dissatisfied with the outcome.

“What matters is being whole with myself as an athlete, being a great competitor, executing what it is that I know I can after having an amazing season,” she said. “I am not mad at all about the time that I did today.

“Today was amazing, a great end to the season. It just gives me stuff to work on, prepare for Olympics next year,” Richardson added.