Jaydon Hibbert, one of the brightest young stars in track and field, has undergone minor surgery to repair a torn meniscus, an injury he sustained during the Jamaica National Championships. Despite the setback, Hibbert still managed to compete at the Paris Olympics, narrowly missing out on a medal while performing with the injury.
The torn meniscus occurred when Hibbert landed in an under-prepared pit during the Jamaica national championships, leading to an injury that required careful management in the lead-up to the Olympics. His coach, Travis Geopfert, who is now the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country at Kansas State University, expressed immense pride in Hibbert’s ability to battle through the pain and deliver a commendable performance in Paris.
"Yeah, we had to work through it, man. We had to modify things a little bit. I'm just really proud of him in his efforts, you know, because he was not 100 percent, but man, he battled. He put it out there. He tried, just off the medal, which is really good considering the circumstance," said Geopfert.
Hibbert's grit and determination were on full display despite being physically compromised, showcasing his potential as one of the sport's rising stars. Following the Olympics, Hibbert underwent surgery to clean up the meniscus, a procedure Geopfert described as "not major." The young jumper is expected to make a full recovery and will be "good to go" once rehabilitated.
Although Hibbert’s injury forced him to miss the recently concluded World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Geopfert remains optimistic about his future.
Geopfert also praised his other jumpers who competed in Paris, including Wayne Pinnock, who won silver in the men’s long jump, Carey McLeod, who made the long jump final, and Romaine Beckford, a high jump finalist. Geopfert commended their perseverance in the face of adversity.
"I'm really proud of the group. Life is not perfect, and injuries are part of the sport. Managing the imperfections of the body is part of it too. What I'm most proud of is how these guys managed everything and fought through adversity. They competed extremely well at the Olympic Games," Geopfert said.
While Pinnock’s silver medal and the presence of multiple finalists were significant achievements, Geopfert emphasized that the high standards of the group always push them to aim higher. Despite injuries and other challenges, the coach was "nothing but proud" of how his athletes performed on the biggest stage in the sport.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Olympians Campbell, Pinnock and Ricketts, express gratitude and optimism following JOA Olympic Salute
Jamaican Olympians Rajindra Campbell, Wayne Pinnock, and Shanieka Ricketts have expressed heartfelt gratitude and renewed determination after being celebrated at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) Olympic Salute, held at the Terra Nova Hotel on Saturday night. The event not only honoured their historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics but also unveiled plans that promise to make their Olympic journeys smoother in the future.
Campbell, who made history as Jamaica’s first Olympic medalist in the shot put with a bronze-medal throw of 22.15m, received JMD$1 million for his remarkable feat. He described the evening as a pivotal moment that brought closure to his Olympic experience.
“Last night (Saturday) was special. I definitely feel like now that the ceremony has taken place, I can say the Olympic experience is now complete,” Campbell said.
“The plans for the next four years motivate me to get back into it and prepare with the relaxation that I won’t be fighting an uphill battle like I have been for the past couple of years. A lot of athletes like myself will benefit from the adjustments, preparations, and plans from the JOA. It’s definitely a tremendous feeling, and I appreciated the experience, the love, support, and what the JOA has done.”
Pinnock, who claimed silver in the long jump, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of being recognized not just as an Olympian but as a medalist.
“Last night (Saturday) at the Olympic Salute was an honour beyond words. Being a part of this incredible celebration, as both an Olympian and a medalist, is a moment I will cherish forever,” Pinnock said on Instagram.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, my coach Travis (Geopfert), my agent Henry Rolle, and my PR manager Khimani Clarke, all of whom have been integral to my success.” Pinnock was awarded JMD$1.5 million for his stellar performance in Paris.
For Ricketts, who also won silver in the triple jump and became the first Jamaican woman to medal in the event at the Olympics, the recognition was particularly meaningful as her family was there to share in the moment.
“I had a fabulous time at the JOA Olympic Salute last night. It was truly heartwarming to be honored at home, especially with my family present to share the experience,” she said. Like Pinnock, Ricketts was awarded JMD$1.5 million for her achievement.
The evening was not only a celebration of their successes but also a launch pad for future growth. JOA Secretary General Ryan Foster announced a JMD$250 million investment plan for the next Olympic cycle, which includes funding for athlete scholarships, equipment grants, coaching development, and travel support.
For the Olympians, the acknowledgment and the unveiled initiatives were affirmations of their hard work and dedication. With the financial and structural support promised for the future, Campbell, Pinnock, and Ricketts expressed optimism about what lies ahead, motivated to continue pushing boundaries and making Jamaica proud on the world stage.
Michael Johnson optimistic about bright future for field events amid rise of track-centric meets
Legendary sprinter Michael Johnson, the founder of the upcoming Grand Slam Track (GST) series, is confident that field events will not be sidelined despite the emergence of track-only competitions like GST and September's all-woman Athlos NY meet. Instead, Johnson envisions a future where field events flourish in their own right, buoyed by specialized leagues and platforms.
Grand Slam Track recently announced its inaugural season for 2025, with meets scheduled in Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. As excitement builds for the all-track format, concerns have surfaced about the potential marginalization of field events like the shot put, discus, javelin, and triple jump. However, responding to a query from Sportsmax.TV, Johnson dismissed these fears, offering a compelling case for optimism.
“I think you will see quite the opposite,” Johnson said. “Ryan Crouser, the Olympic champion and world record holder in the shot put, is going to start his vision for a throws league that is specifically for the throws where the fans who actually appreciate those events and understand the great athleticism that is required for those events can actually be closer to the action. And so those events don’t fall secondary to what’s happening on the track, and I have offered my support to Ryan for that.”
Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and former 200m and 400m world record holder, pointed to Crouser’s initiative as an example of how specialized leagues can elevate field events.
“So I don’t think you will see those events continue to go away. I think it’s the exact opposite,” Johnson continued. “I think that there has been inspiration around how you now create leagues for those events as well, where you can make those events more prominent.”
Field events have experienced a resurgence in recent years, with Caribbean athletes making significant strides on the global stage. Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott and Grenada’s Anderson Peters have won Olympic and World Championship medals in the javelin. Jamaica's Roje Stona set an Olympic record to win gold in the discus, with compatriot Rajindra Campbell claiming shot put bronze. Dominica’s Thea LaFond made history by winning her country’s first Olympic medal, a gold in the triple jump, ahead of Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts, a two-time World Championship silver medalist.
Johnson believes specialized leagues and tailored events are key to ensuring that these athletes and their disciplines receive the recognition they deserve.
“Right now, they’re getting lost in a huge stadium where fans far away can’t actually see and appreciate the athleticism,” Johnson explained. “So I think that this [Grand Slam Track] paves the way for a brighter future for the field events.”
Grand Slam Track’s inaugural season promises to bring a fresh, dynamic format to track events, while Johnson’s endorsement of field-event-specific leagues highlights his broader vision for athletics as a sport. With initiatives like Crouser’s throws league on the horizon, Johnson’s optimism reflects a shift toward creating dedicated platforms for all disciplines to shine.
The 2025 GST series, set to kick off with a meet in Kingston from April 4-, marks an exciting evolution for the sport. As Johnson’s vision takes shape, the future appears brighter not just for track athletes but for the field-event stars whose talents deserve a stage of their own.
Jaydon Hibbert honoured and 'humbled' with inaugural JOA Olympic Spirit Award
Rising athletics star Jaydon Hibbert was humbled and deeply honoured to receive the first-ever Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) Olympic Spirit Award during a glittering ceremony at the Terra Nova Hotel on Saturday night.
The award, introduced to celebrate athletes who exemplify the core values of Olympism—courage, perseverance, and sportsmanship—recognizes Hibbert’s remarkable resilience and determination at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Despite battling discomfort during competition, Hibbert delivered an exceptional performance in the men’s triple jump, narrowly missing the podium by 0.03 centimeters to finish fourth. At just 19 years old, he was the youngest competitor in the field, showcasing composure and tenacity beyond his years.
The JOA’s official citation praised Hibbert’s efforts, describing him as "dauntless and with inborn patriotism," commending his ability to “give it his all” despite physical challenges. It continued:
"The heart of a gladiator will always beat with the lifeblood of a champion, and Jaydon is of that mettle. The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) applauds Jaydon Hibbert, a distinguished brother of our household and our first Olympic Spirit awardee."
Hibbert, who is also a nominee for the World Athletics Rising Star Award for the second consecutive year, expressed gratitude and humility in his acceptance speech.
"To be recognized in this way is truly humbling," he said. "The Olympic Games were a test of my spirit, and I’m proud to represent Jamaica on and off the field. This award serves as motivation for what’s to come."
Christopher Samuda, President of the JOA, highlighted the importance of the award during his remarks at the ceremony, underscoring its role in celebrating not just athletic excellence but the qualities of perseverance and character.
"The award not only recognizes athletic excellence but also celebrates the spirit of perseverance and sportsmanship that transcends the playing field," Samuda said. "Jaydon's inclusion underscores the JOA’s commitment to celebrating not only athletic success but also the core values of Olympism – character, courage, and unyielding grit, the true essence of the Olympic spirit."
The ceremony also honored Jamaica’s 2024 Paris Olympic medalists, but Hibbert’s recognition stood out as a poignant reminder of the Olympic spirit that defines true champions. As the applause echoed in the room, it was clear that Jaydon Hibbert’s journey has only just begun, and his story continues to inspire.
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