KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shericka Jackson qualified fastest from the semi-finals of the women’s 400m after she ran 50.69 seconds to win her heat at the Jamaica Trials on Saturday night.
Jackson, the Olympic bronze medallist from Rio 2016, stopped the clock at a season-best time of 50.69 seconds to win semi-final heat one.
Trailing home the 24-year-old MVP Track Club quarter-miler were Sprintec pair Anastasia Le-Roy (51.20) and Christine Day (51.34).
University of Florida outgoing senior Sharrika Barnett grabbed fourth with 51.78 and Candice McLeod also sealed a place in the final with a time of 52.36.
Defending champion Stephenie Ann McPherson of MVP collected the victory in semi-final two, running 51.39 seconds to overtake Roneisha McGregor in the closing metres.
McGregor posted a personal best of 51.56 for second place in the heat, while third went to Cameron Blazers’ Tiffany James with 52.11.
Meanwhile, national record holder Rusheen McDonald of MVP qualified swiftest from the men’s semis.
McDonald, who is rounding into good shape this summer, grabbed another season’s best when he held off his challengers to post 45.25 seconds in the second semi-final.
Following him home closely were Demish Gaye of Sprintec with a time of 45.36 and Sean Bailey of the University of Texas at El Paso (45.42).
Also landing a place in the final from the second semi-final were Devaughn Baker (45.90) and Javon Francis (46.21).
Terry Thomas produced another personal best to win the first semis.
The Racers Track Club new star stopped the clock at 45.56 to improve the 45.83 he did in the heats on his way to finishing ahead of Martin Manley, who was second in 46.16.
Demar Murray also advanced with a time of 46.72.
The finals of the men’s and women’s 400m are slated for Sunday.
