Bershawn Jackson’s world-leading 48.32 victory in the 400m Hurdles was the key highlight at the 81st Kansas Relays in Lawrence on Saturday (19).

It was the fifth victory in the last six years for the 24-year-old former World champion and more significantly, the quickest season opener in his specialty.

“It feels great to be back and running fast again. I'm coming off a terrible season,” said Jackson, the 2005 World champion. Last year, Jackson failed to advance from the semi-finals at the World Championships in Osaka.

“I had very good performances, but I kept getting injured. My rhythm was off. I was ready at worlds, but I couldn't get that last hurdle. I think my biggest downfall was rhythm and me being injured and not running enough races. I ran in a total five races last year.”

This season, Jackson believes, will signal a return to better form.

“It's been an up and down season, I came out running pretty good indoors and then I hurt my hamstring so I'm a bit out of shape, but I'm still fit and still good.” Jackson illustrated a good show of speed earlier this month after a 45.55 victory in the flat 400m at the Florida Relays in Gainesville.

“I felt very relaxed coming out of the blocks and I finished strong so I'm very satisfied with my race. I'm interested to see what we do later on in the season.”