TOKYO, Japan — Shanieka Ricketts is no stranger to the big stage, but as she heads into her sixth World Championships final on Thursday, the Jamaican triple jump star is carrying the familiar mix of gratitude, confidence, and determination that has defined her career.

Ricketts, who advanced to the final after a composed second-round leap of 14.30m in qualifying, admitted things did not start exactly as planned but was quick to refocus and deliver when it mattered most.

“Another World Championships final — I think this is number six — so I am really thankful for that,” she said. “I wanted to be in and out, one and done, but it did not happen. I ended up fouling the first round, so I had to readjust and get a good second attempt, and that was good enough to get me into the final. I am grateful and excited for Thursday’s final.”

For Ricketts, consistency at the highest level has been hard-earned, the result of years of preparation, resilience, and a deep trust in the process. While her lead-up competitions may not have reflected her full potential, she insists that she is right where she needs to be.

Ricketts, an Olympic and two-time World Championships silver medal winner had a positive start to her season, finishing in the top two in nine of her first 10 competitions. The results from last her two meets before arriving in Tokyo were less impressive but the 33-year-old is confident in her preparation and believes she will put everything together on Thursday.

“I am very happy with my preparation and readiness. I think a lot of it is not reflected in some of the competitions I have been having leading up to the World Championships, but it’s all a part of the process,” Ricketts explained. “Training has been going well, I am healthy, and I am looking forward to going after it.”

A consistent competitor, Ricketts is once again among the contenders for the podium. Still, she remains careful not to get distracted by outside expectations.

“I don’t usually focus on those things,” she said. “I think that once I stay in my zone and focus on execution and just making sure that I am doing everything that is in my will and power to do, everything else will fall into place and good performances will come,” Ricketts said.

“It will be challenging,” she admitted. “I am ready for the challenge and hoping for the best.”

Reflecting on her career to this point, Ricketts says her dependability is the result of hard work and is a trait that she is quote proud of.

“It means the world, because at this level everyone is talented, and to be consistently among the best triple jumpers for so many years is really hard work,” she reflected. “It shows that I am capable of doing hard things, and I am just excited to be here.”

She will not be alone in Thursday’s showdown. Fellow Jamaican Ackelia Smith, who endured disappointment in the long jump earlier in the week, will also line up in the final.

“I am very happy for Ackelia,” Ricketts said. “The long jump did not go how she wanted it to, and she has a chance to redeem herself in the triple jump. Two women out there in the final — who knows what’s going to happen? Hopefully, we get some good results in the final.”

RICKETTS… I think that once I stay in my zone and focus on execution and just making sure that I am doing everything that is in my will and power to do, everything else will fall into place Photo: Garfield Robinson