We've seen Desmond Jackson set and break his own state records over that last three years at the NCHSAA State Championships. But what you don't see while Jackson is competing solo one of the top Amputee runners in the US from all age groups! This year he broke all of his state meet records from previous years proving he was due for a big summer, On Thursday and Friday Jackson competed in three events, the 100, 200, and long jump. First was the 200 prelims where Jackson was the third place finisher during Thursday morning session. He went on to the finals that afternoon finishing 4th in 27.75 one spot out and .04 second away from the Rio team.
Friday morning left Jackson hungry for the 100 and he competed in that 100 prelim and the Long Jump in the morning session of the meet. Jackson finished 10th overall in the Long Jump with a top mark of 5.12m. Then came the final event of the meet for Jackson, the 100. Jackson dominated his prelim heat running 12.99 winning the heat by almost a full second. Then later that day Jackson improved on his prelim time running 12.85 to take second place securing his spot to the Paralympic Games. Almost everyone competing against Jackson are almost 10 years older than him. Meaning Jackson, the 16 year old Junior, should have a slue of Olympic experiences the more he develops. Congrats to Desmond on securing his spot to Rio!
For more on Desmond Jackson's history on the Paralympic Circuit check out his USATF Athlete Profile!