KINGSTON, Jamaica – Former Aztec Shanieka (Thomas) Ricketts took first place in the triple jump at the Jamaican Senior National Championships Saturday evening to secure a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Ricketts, who also competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, had a triple jump of 14.46m (47-05.25) to edge second-place finisher Kimberly Williams by 0.27 meters. This is Ricketts third' Jamaican National championship.
Ricketts is currently the No. 2 ranked triple jumper in the world. While at SDSU, she was a three-time NCAA triple jump champion and twice was the national runner-up.
Ricketts (2014), a three-time NCAA triple jump champion (2013-14 outdoor, 2014 indoor) and a two-time runner-up finisher (2012 outdoor, 2013 indoor), is currently ranked No. 2 in the world.
Ricketts recently took first in Gateshead, England Diamond League event and then the following week recorded a personal best jump of 14.98 meters in Doha, Qatar.
The triple jump competition at the Tokyo Olympics begins with the qualifying round July 30 at 3:05 at 3:05 a.m. The finals are two days later.
San Diego State track and field has sent 14 female athletes to the Summer Olympics and Ricketts is the first and only jumper (high jump, long jump or triple jump).
Another former Aztec, pole vaulter Kristen Brown, was also competing Saturday. She tied for 11th in the pole vault finals, clearing 4.35 meters, but missing the cut to move on to the Olympics.
Jamaican Senior National Championships – National Stadium (Kingston, Jamaica)
Triple Jump Results
1. Shanieka Ricketts – 14.46m (Wind -0.9 m/s)
2. Kimberly Williams – 14.19m (Wind -1.3 m/s)
U.S. Olympic Trials – Hayward Field (University of Oregon)
Pole Vault – Three advance to Tokyo
T-11. Kristen Brown – 4.35m
Shanieka Ricketts Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics
