Shericka Jackson

It's only her first year in Class I but Vere Technical's Shericka Jackson is hoping to take the 200m-400m double, despite facing a quality line-up for next week's ISSA Boys and Girls' Champs.

After dominating over the years, Jackson will be facing a field, which includes Holmwood Technical's Chris-Ann Gordon and her teammate Olivia James and also last year's silver medallist Orenthia Bennett of St Jago, who was second a year ago behind Ristananna Tracey.

It should be a cake walk for Jackson in the 200 metres as she has been the best female schoolgirl in the half-lap event for some time. A year ago she showed her class in the event by winning bronze at the World Youth Championships. On Saturday at the UWI Invitational meet, she clocked 53.34 seconds in the 400 metres to win the event quite easily.

Jackson will, in fact, be hoping for a change of fortunes in the 400m at Champs this year, after finishing third last year in Class II behind Gordon and her teammate James. She will be facing both again this season, but could have taken an easier path in the pursuit of a Champs double crown by competing in the 100-200m event as the field in the 100 metres is not that strong.

"I wanted to run the 100 metres but my coach who knows best opted for the 400 metres instead and I have to listened to my coach," Jackson told Star Sports. "Although the field is strong I am very confident. Although Olivia (James) is very strong I train with her and I know what to do,but I know it is going to be tough," said Jackson.

The athlete is hoping to go under 23 seconds in the 200 metres.

Despite her team finishing fourth overall at the Central Championships, Jackson is very confident Vere will finish in the top three at Champs.

At the Gibson Relays they lost to Holmwood Technical in the 4x400 metres relay, an event which they dominated last season, but Jackson is confident they will bounce back.

"We underperformed at Gibson in the mile relay but we will be back with fire in our eyes and we will not lose this time around."