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Gatlin has drawn reference to his 2016 Olympic season, where he suffered a hamstring injury that nearly ruled him out of the campaign as a tip for Jamaica's Shericka Jackson.p
American sprint icon Justin Gatlin has shared his expert advice with Jamaican sprinter Shericka Jackson on how to regain full fitness in time for the Paris Olympic Games, following a challenging season marred by injuries and poor form.
Jackson has experienced a difficult season, with a mix of bad form and unfortunate injuries casting doubt over her fitness.
Team Jamaica is particularly concerned after Jackson pulled up during the 14th Gyulai Istvan Memorial World Continental Gold meet in Szekesfehervar, Hungary, on Tuesday. Jackson started the 200m race strong but appeared to suffer a muscle problem, feeling pain and stopping just minutes before the finish line.
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09:45 - 21.07.2024
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Thomas came from behind to win the 200m London Diamond League classic to put herself in a good position for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Though she walked off the track unassisted, the sight of her in discomfort alarmed her supporters, especially with the Paris 2024 Olympics just over two weeks away.
Gatlin, drawing from his own experience, believes Jackson can still compete at her best if she handles her injury with care. He referenced his own injury troubles before the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he managed to recover in time to compete.
“I dealt with that in 2016. I had a hamstring injury three weeks before the trial, and it was more than a cramp. It was a strain. If I had time to rest and put therapy to it, I just could land in the plane to the Olympics to go and compete and that is what happened,” Gatlin told Ready-Set-Go.
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19:53 - 19.07.2024
Does Jamaica's recent injury scares threaten their women's 100m dominance at Paris Olympics?
All hopes rest on Shericka Jackson, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Tia Clayton to deliver the fifth-straight Olympic 100m title but with the injury scares, can the trio still deliver against a formidable American cast?
Gatlin emphasized the importance of rigorous and consistent therapy for Jackson. “Therapy had to be almost round the clock and that is what it is going to be for Shericka.
If it is more than a cramp, therapy will have to be a daily routine for her. She is not going to lose fitness because she is already in incredible shape so if anything, it is going to rest the rest of her body so she can compete when she comes back.
If she is going for Olympic gold or threatens the world record once again, she needs that hamstring at 100 percent.”
Gatlin also expressed concern about Team Jamaica’s chances in the sprints at the Paris Olympics, especially if Jackson fails to recover in time.
Jamaica will already be without Elaine Thompson-Herah, whose ongoing fitness issues have ruled her out of the Olympics. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who is nearing retirement, is the only other proven winner in the team, but she has been on a decline in recent years.
“Without Shericka, I think it will be tough for them to even podium. You have to look at other countries like Great Britain, who have Dina Asher-Smith, (Daryl) Neita over there.
“They have a good squad of ladies who have worked and matured together. It will be a tall order for the Jamaican ladies if they lose both Elaine and now Shericka,” Gatlin noted.
Jackson's situation remains a critical concern for Team Jamaica as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games. Her recovery and potential return to full fitness will be pivotal for Jamaica’s hopes in the sprint events in Paris.
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