Ricketts disappointed but grateful
LONDON, England: TRIPLE JUMPER Shanieka Ricketts was left disappointed with her finish in the women’s long jump final on Monday at the World Championships in London, but is nonetheless grateful for the improvements in her performances at major championships over the past two years.
Ricketts, who is coached by her husband Kerry-Lee Ricketts, posted a best of 14.13 metres to finish eighth and was one of four competitors in the top eight who registered marks on all six attempts.
The placement represents an improvement for Ricketts, who did not make the final at the Rio Olympic Games last year and finished outside the top eight at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China.
“I am a bit disappointed,” said Ricketts. “I was hoping to finish a bit better than I did tonight, but 14.13m was my best jump. It’s my first top eight finish at a World Championships; I am grateful I was able to come out and perform, even though I am not satisfied, I just have to be thankful.”
The jumper said she struggled to execute her step phase and believes this was the main reason she wasn’t able to get a better mark, having jumped as far as 14.38m this season.
“I was having some issues with the step phase, coach Kerry-Lee Ricketts was trying to get me to improve on the step phase throughout the rounds, but I was not able to do so unfortunately,” Ricketts said.
“It’s a good improvement. My first World Championships I finished 11th, and then I didn’t make the Olympic final, so it’s an improvement, even though I am not happy with the distance, I just have to be thankful just the same.”
The other Jamaican in the final, Kimberly Williams, finished 10th, with a best of 14.01m.