REIGNING World Championships 200m champion Shericka Jackson is scheduled to open her season at tomorrow’s staging of The Queen’s/Grace Jackson track and field meet at the National Stadium.

Jackson, who is conditioned by world-renowned Coach Stephen Francis at the MVP Track and Field club, is down to compete in the 400m during which she will face the likes of club mate Crystal Sloley, along with the G C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport trio of Deneka Thomas, Odeshia Nanton and Keiffer Bailey.

Jackson, the second-fastest women of all time in the 200m event with a time of 21.45, has a personal best effort of 49.47 in the 400m. The 28-year-old Jackson is coming off an outstanding year in 2022 when she won her first individual world title and was the NACAC 100m champion. She also won Jamaica’s 100 and 200m titles in 10.77 and 21.55, respectively.

Former national junior sprint star Tia Clayton, who is now coached by Francis at MVP after leaving Edwin Allen to join the professional ranks in September last year, is down to contest the 200m. Tia, who is the twin sister of Tina (also coached by Francis), is set to face her MVP teammate and Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles champion Janieve Russell in the event.

Candice McLeod, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Jura Levy and Sada Williams are also down to compete in this race.

Tina, who is the World Under-20 100m champion, opened her season last weekend at the Central Hurdles, Relays, Jumps & Throws meet at G C Foster College. She is slated to contest the women’s 60m event against Natasha Morrison, Anthonique Strachan, Jonielle Smith, Kashekia Cameron and Jury Levy.

On the men’s side, 2019 World Championships long jump champion Tajay Gayle is scheduled to contest the men’s 60m event in which he will face Rasheed Dwyer, Brendon Rodeny, Michael Campbell, Oshane Bailey and McKish Compton.

Meanwhile, Chad Wright, Glenford Watson and Shamar Reid are slated to contest the men’s discus throw event.

— Robert Bailey