Chrisann Gordon downplays McPherson-Jackson bust-up
JAMAICAN QUARTER-MILER Chrisann Gordon is not making much of the pre-race altercation between teammates Stephenie-Ann McPherson and Shericka Jackson, which occurred ahead of the women’s 4x400m relay final at the World Championships last night.
McPherson and Jackson – teammates at the MVP Track Club – had a heated argument before the team left its hotel for the London Stadium yesterday, with technical leader Donald Quarrie having to step in to prevent an escalation.
McPherson was later withdrawn from the team after team officials were told that she was injured shortly after the team arrived at the venue, with Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby replacing her in the line-up.
McLaughlin-Whilby would, however, suffer an injury on her second-leg run, meaning, the Jamaicans were not able to defend their title. Gordon, who ran the opening leg, said the team was disappointed with the result but does not think that the McPherson-Jackson clash contributed to that at all. “I don’t think it (clash) affected us much. We are all strong-minded athletes, and that’s a little thing we can get over and focus on the big thing, which was to get out there and put on a good show. It did not happen for us, and we just have to move past that,” said Gordon. Quarrie told The Gleaner that the pair started arguing over uniforms but said he could not remember the specifics of the confrontation.
GOOD TEAM
“We had a good team to match up with the United States, but, unfortunately, it did not happen today. Anneisha went down. She said she felt discomfort in the back of her knee. Something grabbed her, and she went down. I’m really disappointed, we all are, but it’s a part of the sport. You can’t predict injuries. It’s one of those nights,” said Gordon. “I heard Stephenie-Ann was having some injury. I don’t know what kind of pain she was feeling, but she was the person who was supposed to do the first leg and then me second, but she was unable to do that job tonight (last night),” Gordon added. McPherson has been a key member of Jamaica’s relay teams over the past few years.