ATHLETICS-Thompson-Herah confirms form, Jackson flirts with WR.

Brussels, CMC: Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah returned to form with a season-best 10.84 seconds to win the 100 meters at the 47th Allianz Memorial Van Damme here Friday, as World champion and fellow Jamaica Shericka Jackson clocked a meet record to win the 200m.

The 31-year-old Thompson-Herah, whose form caused her to miss out on the Budapest World Championships last month, got to the line first ahead of countrywoman Natasha Morrison, who clocked a season-best 10.05.

Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith finished third in 10.97.

“It was a tough season, but I’m glad I’m back in my sprinting form,” said Thompson-Herah.

“A few nights ago, I ran 10.92 in Bellinzona, and I’m happy to improve that result tonight.

“I feel healthy, and in tonight’s race, I kept swinging and punching until the finish line. With the shape that I’m in, I hope to get a good result next week as well.”

Jackson, meanwhile, who repeated as 200m champion in Budapest, stormed to a time of 21.48 to comfortably beat Bahamian Anthonique Strachan, who clocked 22.31, into second.

American Jenna Prandini finished third in 22.47.

Chasing the elusive World record of 21.34 set by legendary late American Florence Griffith-Joyner, Jackson missed out on another dominant performance. Still, he developed a new Diamond League record and the fourth-fastest time ever.

“Running here today was very good. I am thrilled with my race,” Jackson said afterward.

“For me, it is just to show up primarily in front of such a fantastic crowd. You have to do your best, and that’s what I did today. 

“It felt perfect tonight. I feel like I´m getting there, closer to that record. But having some fun is also essential, and I had fun tonight. 

“It’s fantastic to run against such a strong field, and everyone did well tonight, but for me, having fun is essential. 

“And the crowd was loud and supportive, and I love that. It helps with the sprinting, and I’m enjoying it.”

Another Jamaica, Rusheen McDonald, tasted success on Friday when he captured the men’s 400 meters in 44.84 seconds, while countrywoman Shanieka Ricketts won the women’s triple jump with a leap of 15.01 meters.

The Jamaican pair of Janieve Russell (53.80) and Rushell Clayton (54.10) rounded the podium in the women’s 400m hurdles.