Ariel Jackson of Freedom Striders came storming down the home straight to beat Shakera Reece last night in the 200 metres at the Barbados Olympians Classic.
Two weeks before the National Championships, Jackson produced a personal best 23.65 seconds on the newly laid Mondo track at the National Stadium to leave the defending champion in second place on 23.82 seconds. Sharon Larrier was a distant third in 24.31.
It wasn’t really an upset based on this year’s form as Jackson did 23.68 at the 2013 CARIFTA Games, while Reece’s best time was 23.76, below her personal best of 23.58. Reece came off the turn first, but Jackson kept those arms moving and never lost form, driving to the finish in first place as spectators erupted in cheers.
Earlier, Jade Bailey did not reach the final after the blocks moved when she pushed off during the heats and she abandoned the race.
