Jackson honoured at CB Group UWI 5K

Many-time Olympic and World Championships medallist Shericka Jackson was honoured with an honourary award yesterday from the CGB Group UWI 5K and Smart Eggs Kids K for her hard work.

The accolade was the latest to the many she has received, with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) at the National Awards coming recently and she is pleased that Jamaicans continue to honour her.

"It's just a good feeling to know that my hard work has been acknowledged so I definitely feel good," Jackson said while delivering a heartfelt message to the patrons of the 5K, after receiving her award.

"It's such a great pleasure to get this award today and I must say thank you. To everybody out here and to every student-athlete here, no matter the circumstances never give up. I remember last year at the Olympic Games I never made it to the semi-finals of my favourite event and I think that mentally destroyed me and to be standing here as the second fastest 200 metres woman of all time goes to show you.

"To everybody here, parents, I want you to always check on your student-athletes, your athlete, your child, everybody, mental state because you never might know what will happen.

"Thank you everybody here, thank you for your support, thank you UWI and I just want to say thank you," The 200 metres World Championships winner said to cheers from the crowd.

The university said they recognised the combination of adaptability, grace and determination required to succeed across multiple disciplines and Jackson's commitment to representing Jamaica with distinction.

Chairperson of the event, Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, said that it is the university's distinct pleasure to honour Jackson for her numerous and outstanding contributions to sports on the world stage.

In receiving this honour, Jackson joins an August group that includes fellow hurdler Omar McLeod; sprinter Asafa Powell; celebrated head coach of Racers Track Club, Glen Mills; netball stalwart Molly Rhone; Michael Fennell, former president of the Jamaica Olympic Association; Alfred 'Frano' Francis, managing director, Running Events Limited; and hurdler Hansle Parchment.