LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – This past summer SWLA teacher Charles Jackson did something many never get the opportunity to do. Jackson traveled out to Sweden and competed in the Masters Outdoor Wold Championships, and in the process won a gold medal in the 100 meter dash.
“The experience was amazing, I was able to go and be among 8,000 different athletes from all over the world with the same passion that I have,” said Jackson. “That was just a great experience in itself, to be able to go over there with a group of athletes from the USA and not only represent the country, but then actually medal, I’m very humbled about the experience.”
With the success that Jackson had over on the other side of the world, he hopes that his hard work sets an example for other people including the students that he teaches on a daily basis.
“For them just to see me do that, it also gives them a drive not only in sports to pursue other things that they want to do,” said Jackson. ” I hope they see that perserveance, that grit, and say hey if Coach Jackson can do this at 36, then I can do whatever I’m putting my mind to.”
Jackson will now turn his focus to the 2025 Masters Indoor Championships where he expects to compete in the 60 meter dash and the 200 meter dash. He is also not leaving out the possibility to go to South Korea in a couple of years to once again compete in another outdoor championship.
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