‘Nothing to be ashamed of’
• Levell proud of first global medal • Jackson returns to podium after injury struggles
Published:Saturday | September 20, 2025 | 12:09 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
JAMAICA PICKED up a pair of bronze medals at the end of day eight at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, with Bryan Levell and Shericka Jackson finishing third in the men’s and women’s 200 metres, respectively, at the Japan National Stadium.
Levell ran the race of his life, setting a new personal best of 19.64 seconds, to claim the bronze medal in a highly competitive race.
Noah Lyles of the United States successfully defended his world title, taking the win in a world-leading 19.51, just ahead of his teammate, Kenny Bednarek, 19.58.
The victory was Lyles’ fourth consecutive 200m world title, equalling a record set by Usain Bolt.
While many had harboured hopes that Levell would finish atop the podium, the 21-year-old speedster was more realistic in his outlook and felt proud of his performance.
“I’m satisfied,” he said.
“I gave my best. I got a personal best, and I have nothing to feel ashamed of or disappointed about.”
Levell’s bronze medal run also means that for the first time since Usain Bolt’s triumph in 2015, a Jamaican finished on the podium at the World Championships in the men’s 200m.
Levell said it brought him further pride to add his name to Jamaica’s rich sprint history, especially given his debut on the World Championships stage.
“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I am part of Jamaica’s history in the 200m, so it means a lot to me.”
While Levell’s story is one of a rising talent getting his first taste of success, Jackson’s triumph was one of a seasoned champion rising from the ashes of injury.
Following an impressive 2023 season, Jackson suffered through an injury-riddled 2024, which saw her unable to compete at the Paris Olympic Games.
While she was unable to defend her 200m world title, she said she was also proud to have returned to being among the best and put herself back on the podium.
“Honestly, after the 100m [final], I cried,” Jackson admitted.
“I was heartbroken, but then I remembered that I needed to pat myself on my shoulder to be able to run 10.88. Even though I did not get a medal, I think I did really, really well in the 100.
She continued, “Tonight, I just came out here to do my best and put the pieces together. I came up with a bronze medal, and I’m grateful.”
Their performances mean that Jamaica’s medal tally moved to eight - one gold, four silver, and three bronze.
Jackson will now turn her attentions to the women’s 4x100m relay heats while Levell said he is not sure if he will take the field in the men’s equivalent, having not been named in Jamaica’s relay pool.
IT IS WHAT IT IS
Jordan Scott, one of the strong medal contenders in the men’s triple jump, fell short of his usual high standards, finishing fifth in the final with a best effort of 17.21 metres.
While disappointed to have left without a medal, Scott said he would take solace in making his first-ever World Championships final.
“Obviously not the performance I would have wanted to have, but all in all, [I] can’t complain,” he said.
“To come fifth in the world, I know there is obviously more in the tank and a bit of disappointment here, but it is what it is.”
In the women’s 400m hurdles final, Shiann Salmon faded in the second half of the race, finishing in a pedestrian 56.27, much slower than her season’s usual.
Jamaica will also be without a competitor in the women’s 800m final as national champion Natoya Goule-Toppin finished fifth in her semi-final in a time of one minute, 59.58 (1:59.58).