World and Olympic long jump silver medalist Wayne Pinnock has expressed enthusiasm about his transition to Kansas State University after moving from Arkansas late last month. Pinnock, who achieved significant success at the University of Arkansas under the guidance of Coach Travis Geopfert, followed his mentor to Kansas State after Geopfert was appointed Director of Track and Field and Cross Country in July 2024.
"Settling in at Kansas has been an exciting process. The transition has been smooth, and I’m really starting to feel at home here. The new environment has been refreshing; it’s a perfect mix of world-class facilities, a supportive team, and a culture that pushes me to grow," Pinnock shared with Sportsmax.TV. "The change in scenery has sparked a new level of motivation, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it’s providing both in my training and my personal development."
Pinnock is now training in Kansas State’s newly built state-of-the-art facility, a move he believes will significantly enhance his preparation for the upcoming track and field season. Looking ahead to 2025, he has set his sights on making a substantial impact at the World Indoor Championships and the World Championships.
"It’s not just about competing; it’s about taking the steps to really challenge myself, improving my technique, and being at my best when it counts. I want to be able to look back and know I gave everything I had, knowing that the work I put in during this season will set me up for the next chapter of my career," he stated.
Pinnock’s accolades include winning the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor long jump titles in 2022, marking his dominance at the collegiate level. He made his senior major championship debut at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he placed ninth overall. However, his breakthrough moment came at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where he secured the silver medal and a personal best jump of 8.54m.
Continuing his impressive form, Pinnock clinched the long jump title at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March 2024 with an 8.40m effort, equaling the Jamaican indoor record set by James Beckford and Carey McLeod. He further asserted his dominance by winning the long jump at the SEC Championship in Gainesville, Florida, in May 2024.
In June 2024, he placed second at the Jamaican Athletics Championships with a leap of 8.27m, earning his spot on the national team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Pinnock capped off the year with a silver medal at the Olympics, achieving a mark of 8.36m and solidifying his place among the world’s elite long jumpers.