Shericka Jackson, one of Jamaica’s most celebrated sprinters, has opened up about the mental and emotional struggles she faced on her way back to the podium in 2025. Known for her consistency and blistering top-end speed, Jackson’s 2024 season was nothing short of heartbreaking. Plagued by injuries, disappointing results, and relentless scrutiny from fans and critics, she admits she came dangerously close to losing her love for the sport altogether.
In a recent interview, Jackson spoke candidly about the weight she carried into the 2025 World Championships. “Last year broke me in ways I never imagined,” she confessed. “I wasn’t just dealing with a hamstring issue or a poor race here and there — I was battling self-doubt every time I stepped on the track. People see you as strong and unshakeable, but behind closed doors, you cry, you question yourself, you wonder if it’s even worth it.”
2024 had started with high expectations after her 2023 dominance in the 200m, but a mid-season injury derailed her campaign. Missing crucial races and watching rivals like Gabby Thomas, Julien Alfred, and Sha’Carri Richardson take center stage only deepened her frustration. “It was painful to watch,” Jackson admitted. “You feel like time is running out, like the world is moving forward without you. That eats away at your confidence.”
Instead of withdrawing completely, Jackson turned to therapy and leaned on her closest circle of supporters. She credits her coach, family, and a small group of friends for reminding her that her identity was not defined by medals or times. “I had to rebuild my mind before I could rebuild my body,” she said. “Therapy helped me face the fear of failing again. Once I started to deal with that, the joy slowly returned.”
That mental reset paid off in 2025. Though not yet back to her absolute best, Jackson stormed to a bronze medal finish in the 200m at the World Championships — a result that meant more to her than any gold she has ever won. “Standing on that podium felt like redemption,” she smiled. “It wasn’t about proving the doubters wrong — it was about proving to myself that I could fight through the storm and still rise.”
Jackson’s story has resonated with fans worldwide, many of whom see her as a symbol of perseverance. Social media was flooded with messages of support after her medal run, celebrating not just her performance but her courage in speaking openly about mental health.
As the 2025 season winds down, Jackson says she is excited for what lies ahead. “This is just the beginning of my comeback,” she declared. “I’m hungrier than ever, but now I’m running from a place of peace, not pressure.”
For an athlete who has already secured her place in Jamaica’s sprinting history, this renewed mental strength may be the key to extending her career and inspiring the next generation. Shericka Jackson’s podium finish in 2025 is more than a medal — it’s a victory over the invisible battles that nearly kept her off the track.
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