As the countdown to the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 continues, we shine a spotlight on some of the podium sweeps that have lit up past editions of the global showpiece.
This five-part series continues with a look back at Jamaica’s dominance in the women’s 100m in Oregon in 2022.
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Following a Jamaican sweep of the women’s 100m podium at the Olympics in Tokyo one year prior, the same trio headed to the World Championships in Oregon looking to repeat that feat.
At the Tokyo Games in 2021, Elaine Thompson-Herah won gold ahead of fellow Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson. Thompson-Herah was a convincing winner, setting an Olympic record of 10.61 with Fraser-Pryce just holding off Jackson, 10.74 to 10.76.
While the trio was elated, the empty stadium – due to the pandemic – meant the sweep was only quietly celebrated in Tokyo. But the World Championships in Oregon gave athletes an opportunity to celebrate in front of a packed-out stadium. And for the Jamaican contingent, it was a chance to upset their US rivals on home turf.
The outcome in Oregon was another Jamaican sweep, but in a different order.
All three women had progressed comfortably throughout the rounds, earning lanes three, four and six for the final. Fraser-Pryce, aged 35, got a strong start and could not be caught, earning her 10th World Championships medal. She won in a championship record of 10.67 with Jackson (10.73) and Thompson-Herah (10.81) following her across the line.
“It’s good to be able to be from a small island and to know you have such an impact on the women and girls in your community,” said Fraser-Pryce, who won her first Olympic title in 2008, the same year that Bolt earned his first Olympic gold.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (left) wins the 2022 world 100m title (© Getty Images)
“So many people believe that when women turn 35, it somehow diminishes our gift,” she added. “But I’m still able to line up and compete, and that is very special.”
Jackson, who went on to win the 200m in Oregon with Fraser-Pryce taking silver, joked after the race: “I guess our new colours are one, two, three.”
Hannah Borenstein for World Athletics