Rising Jamaican sprint hurdler Habiba Harris has posted an emotional message on Instagram following her premature exit from the NCAA Division 1 Championships, where injury robbed her of the opportunity to contest the women’s 100m hurdles final.
The 19-year-old freshman at the University of Florida had taken the collegiate circuit by storm this season, clocking a personal best 12.62 seconds—one of the fastest times by a Jamaican this year—and quickly establishing herself as a frontrunner for the NCAA title. But her breakout campaign was cut short after she sustained an injury in the semifinal round in Eugene, Oregon, ending her season just as it was reaching its peak.
That injury could now also cost her a place at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) had extended the deadline for entries to the National Championships until Thursday, June 19. However, as of late Wednesday evening, Harris had not registered, leaving her participation in serious doubt. The National Championships, scheduled for June 26–29 at the National Stadium in Kingston, will be used to select Jamaica’s team for the global event in September.
Despite the disappointment, Harris remained optimistic in a heartfelt message to fans and supporters posted to Instagram on Wednesday:
“I am beyond grateful for how much I’ve grown this year and although my season didn’t end on the high note that I wanted it to, it does make me excited for what’s to come. The journey has just begun. Go Gators!!🐊🐊
Isaiah 60:22: ‘When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.’”
Her absence from the NCAA final paved the way for Oregon’s Aaliyah McCormick to take the title in 12.81 seconds, ahead of Texas A&M’s Jaiya Covington (12.93) and Howard’s Marcia Sey (12.93). Had Harris been healthy, she was widely expected to contend for gold.
Now, with the clock ticking on the entry deadline and recovery timelines unclear, the question is no longer about how fast Harris can run—but how quickly she can heal.
Regardless of the outcome this season, her meteoric rise has signalled the arrival of a special talent. And if her words are any indication, Habiba Harris is only just getting started.