Olympic champion Hansle Parchment has expressed his joy and gratitude at finally being able to host Tokyo 2020 volunteer Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic in Jamaica, calling her visit a "truly special experience."
Stojkovic, who became an unexpected part of Parchment’s golden journey at the last Olympics by giving him taxi fare to get to the track after he mistakenly boarded the wrong bus, arrived in Jamaica on February 17 with her family. The reunion, which had been years in the making, allowed Parchment to finally return the kindness she had shown him in Tokyo.
“It was definitely a pleasure to have her here,” Parchment shared with Sportsmax.TV. “She came with her family, and that made it even more meaningful. This was something I had been looking forward to for a long time, and I’m really grateful we got the chance to do it.”
For Parchment, the highlight of her visit was not just showing her the beauty of Jamaica but also spending quality time together, something that wasn’t possible in Tokyo due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“The last time we met, it was really just a quick moment. We didn’t have time to talk or get to know each other properly. But this time, we got to chill, hang out, and just connect in a way we never could before,” he said.
During her stay, Stojkovic and her family were taken to explore some of Jamaica’s “gems,” experiencing the island’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
“We took them to some really special places—some of Jamaica’s gems—and it was great to see them enjoying it all. They got to experience firsthand what makes this place so unique and beautiful,” Parchment said.
The reigning Olympic 110m hurdles champion also revealed that the visit reinforced the deep bond he has developed with Stojkovic and her family over the years.
“They are really good people—humble, kind, and just the kind of people you want in your life. It was really cool to finally have the time to sit, talk, and just enjoy each other’s company. This was long overdue, and I’m happy we finally made it happen,” he added.
With the 2025 World Athletics Championships set for Tokyo later this year, Parchment is even more motivated to ensure he qualifies and makes the trip back to Japan.
“This World Championships will be special for me. It’s in Japan, and now I have even more reason to be there. I want to experience the country properly this time—visit the city, see some of the things I missed the last time, and, of course, reconnect with Teiyana and her family,” he shared.
For Parchment, what started as a simple act of kindness in 2021 has blossomed into something much more—an enduring friendship and a reminder of the power of human connection. “Having her here was a full-circle moment, and I’ll always be grateful for what she did for me. Now, I can’t wait to see them again in Japan.”
Photos of Teiyana Kawashima Stojkovic - Garwin Davis