The trio of Shericka Jackson, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Elaine Thompson-Herah once again came in for praise from the president of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) Christopher Samuda,S after the running of the women’s 200m final at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Thursday.

Jackson followed up on her 100m silver on Sunday with the 200m gold in a staggering 21.45 seconds to become the fastest-Jamaican female over the distance ever, while Fraser-Pryce, who won gold in the 100m on Sunday, was second in the 200m in a season’s best 21.81 seconds.

Great Britain’s Dina Asher Smith, who was the defending champion coming into the event and who had to play second fiddle to the Jamaicans in the 100m final, in which she managed just a fourth-place finish, assured herself of a spot on the podium this time around when she finished third in 22.02 seconds.

Elaine Thompson-Herah, who was third in the 100m final, was seventh in the 200m in 22.39 seconds.

Speaking on behalf of the JOA, Samuda said: “The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) salutes our Olympian empresses Shericka Jackson, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Elaine Thompson-Herah for once more placing Jamaica firmly on the global stage.

“Shericka demonstrated in the 200m sprint unparalleled prowess which was transformed into strength of character and a determined will in the straight, which carried her home in championship style.”

Samuda said that the performance of the ladies Thursday night was a teaching moment for the rest of the world.

“Our ladies have given the world a lesson in sprinting majesty and the JOA salutes with admiration our coaches who are the custodians of the nation’s greatness in track and field.”

He challenged other Jamaicans who are currently representing the country and those who are hoping to do so in the future to study the efforts of the trio.

“The now and next generation of athletes must take note of and understand completely the character of victory which comes with an unwavering conviction in self to be and become a standard-bearer, unstinting dedication and an understanding that tomorrow will be better if I commit to today’s values.”

He also lauded the other athletes who have been representing the island at the championships.

“The Olympic movement is proud of our athletes across the sporting disciplines and thanks them for giving us an invaluable opportunity to serve.”

Jamaica has so far won six medals in Eugene, five won by the trio and the other courtesy of the consistent Shanieka Ricketts, who delivered silver in the women’s triple jump. The men have yet to snag a medal in Oregon.

— Dwayne Richards