The Fastest Women's 200m | Shericka Jackson, Sha’Carri Richardson, Julien Alfred, Gabby Thomas

The Fastest Women's 200m | Shericka Jackson, Sha’Carri Richardson, Julien Alfred, Gabby Thomas

The women’s 200 meters delivered two electrifying storylines that showcased the contrasting dominance of two sprint superstars—Shericka Jackson and Gabby Thomas—each proving why this distance remains one of the most unpredictable and explosive events in athletics.

Shericka Jackson, coming off an unexpected setback in the 100 meters, entered the World Championship final with something to prove. From the outermost Lane 9, she needed a flawless attack on the curve to handle a world-class lineup featuring Gabby Thomas, Julien Alfred, and Sha’Carri Richardson. Jackson executed with ruthless precision, powering through the bend and opening a gap that none of her rivals could close. Her astonishing 21.41—one of the fastest times ever recorded in a global final—reaffirmed her status as the most destructive half-lap sprinter of her era. Even the formidable Gabby Thomas, renowned for her late-race surge, could only chase in vain as Jackson stormed to a commanding gold. Richardson, fresh off a 100m victory over Jackson, fought her way to bronze, adding another major medal to her season.

But while Jackson dominated on the world stage, Gabby Thomas delivered her own statement of supremacy in Kingston at the Grand Slam Track Series. Starting her season with fire, she tore through the curve from lane seven and controlled the home straight with authority, stopping the clock at 22.62. It was a performance that instantly positioned her as a favorite for the series’ $100,000 prize and reminded fans why she remains one of the most technically gifted sprinters in the sport.

The field she dismantled included major names: Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith, still a respected figure despite inconsistent years; Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, the 400m world champion bringing unusual depth to a 200m race; and Dominican Republic star Marileidy Paulino, who stunned the crowd by finishing second in 22.93—her fastest of the year. Paulino’s versatility highlighted how the event continues to evolve, drawing talent from multiple disciplines.