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• Wolmerian reunion celebration: Jaheel Hyde honored at PASO Gala Awards

   In a splendid affair at the luxurious Marriott Hotel in Aventura, the Pan American Sport Organization (PASO) held its Gala Awards Ceremony recently, hosting a distinguished guest and 400m hurdles gold medalist, Jaheel Hyde, who was celebrated for his remarkable achievement at the 2023 Pan American Games.

  The event became more than a gala; it transformed into a Wolmerian reunion, bringing together Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda, and JOA Secretary General/CEO, Ryan Foster, both maroon and gold alumni and esteemed PASO commission members.

  The reunion was elevated with the presence of Jaheel Hyde, a Wolmer's Boys' School alumnus, whose stellar performance on the international stage earned him the prestigious 400m hurdles gold.

  Jaheel Hyde, adorned with numerous gold medals from his junior endeavors and the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver in Birmingham, now sets his sights on the grandest stage of all—the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The gala served as a moment of recognition for Hyde's historic achievement, marking his first gold at the senior level in international competition.

  As Hyde basks in the glory of his Pan Am Games triumph, the journey continues, with the Paris Olympics looming on the horizon. Eager to add another illustrious chapter to his sporting journey, Hyde prepares to face formidable competitors, aspiring to clinch the coveted gold medal and etch his name in the annals of sporting history.

   

• Jamaica's Garth Robinson breaks 60m and 200m age-group records at Indiana University Early Bird Indoor Meet

  Fueled by last season’s frustrations of missing out on the Masters 200m world record, 53-year-old sprinter Garth Robinson made history at the Indiana University Early Bird Indoor Meet on Saturday, shattering Masters Age Group records in both the 60m dash and 200m dash.

  In the preliminary round of the 60m dash, Robinson blazed through the track, clocking an extraordinary time of 7.09. This not only secured an American age-group record but also set the stage for an exceptional day of competition. The seasoned sprinter continued his historic run in the 200m dash, posting an unofficial world age-group record time of 22.93.

  If ratified, Robinson’s marks will replace Val Barnwell’s record of 7.13 set in 2009 and William Collins’ 200m mark set 22.99 set in March 2003.

  In July, Robinson just missed out on Willie Gault’s 200m world outdoor record of 22.44 when he ran 22.59s into a heavy headwind of -1.6m/s at the USATF Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championships in North Carolina. It was a common theme throughout the season.

  Robinson, who revealed that he still has Gault’s record as a goal this season, cited the frustration of missing out on the record last season because of unfavourable environmental conditions, as a driving force behind his ambitions for the new season. "So I was a little frustrated saying I can't really get lucky to have the wind behind me. The one time I had the wind behind me, it was too much. That was when I ran a 10.88 (in July)," he shared, highlighting the challenges he faced in outdoor competitions last season.

  "These are just personal goals. It's coming from when I used to run back in the day, and you know I've had a few accomplishments that I'm happy for, but I just wanted something more, something more personal, a world record."

  Reflecting on his preparation, Robinson explained how he managed to maintain his fitness during the off season. “I was in good shape from the outdoors, I just transitioned with just taking it easy but mindful that I'm still in shape,” he said.

  "I play in a volleyball league. Sometimes I mess around doing that and soccer sometimes. So like cross-training is something different from track and field, but I was still lifting, I was still running at the core part of my activities," Robinson added, shedding light on his comprehensive approach to training.

  Robinson also got his weight down to something, he said, is more manageable. "Well, so going into Kentucky, which was the first year I did Masters, I was almost 200 lbs., and then when I competed last year, I think I was maybe 173. So I lost a lot of weight, tremendous a lot of weight in a short piece of time," he shared, highlighting the dedication to managing his weight effectively.

  The former GC Foster College and Oral Roberts University alum explained that he also worked to tackle some of his shortcomings stating, "One of my weaknesses was my start because, you know, back in the day, I did the 400, and developed a habit of running 300 repeats in which the start doesn't have to be that emphasized."

  He detailed the adjustments made to his training, incorporating explosive starts and shorter, more intense workouts.

  As he looks ahead, Robinson remains focused on his journey, with an unrelenting determination to achieve his goals. "I plan to run more races. I have one this weekend at Principia College, just up the street from me," the Missouri resident he revealed, emphasizing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of Masters athletics.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Shantae Foreman shines in triple jump debut at Clemson Opener

  Clemson University’s Indoor Track Facility witnessed a spectacular showcase of Jamaican talent at the Clemson Opener on December 8, 2023.

  Shantae Foreman, the former Excelsior High standout renowned for her prowess in the high jump, took on a new challenge making her triple jump debut a memorable one. She leaped an impressive 13.08m  securing the top spot in the women's triple jump event.

  Ronasche Fluker of Georgia State University claimed the second spot with a leap of 12.00 m. Foreman's outstanding performance added a layer of excitement to an already spirited day of competition.

  Jessica McLean, a sophomore at Clemson, carved her name in the annals of the Clemson Opener with an exceptional display in the women's 1000m event. Setting a personal best of 2:53.59, McLean showcased her speed and stamina, leading the pack.

  Marie Forbes, a senior from Clemson, exhibited her strength in the women's weight throw, launching an impressive 21.86m to claim victory.

  Daniel Cope, a senior from Clemson, dominated the men's weight throw finals with a mighty throw of 21.31m.