Jamaican long jumper Wayne Pinnock continues to cement his status among the world’s elite, after delivering another impressive performance—this time at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, where he opened his season with a silver medal in the men’s long jump.
Competing in his first event of the year, Pinnock soared to a mark of 8.29m, just one centimetre shy of the gold, which was claimed by Italy’s rising star Mattia Furlani, who won with 8.30m. The narrow margin was both a motivator and a mark of progress for Pinnock, who now boasts three consecutive silver medals at major global championships, following his runner-up finishes at the 2023 World Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“Winning silver for my season opener definitely feels great,” said Pinnock. “But it's also a reminder that the gold is still within my reach. There's a sense of progress, like each step is getting me closer, but I know there's still work to be done to get to that top spot.”
The result wasn’t just about another podium finish—it was also a statement. Pinnock finished ahead of Miltiádis Tentóglou, the Olympic champion and reigning king of consistency in global long jump competitions. It was the first time Pinnock had beaten Tentóglou on such a big stage, and it’s a moment he doesn’t take lightly.
“As for beating Tentoglou, it feels amazing,” he admitted. “He's one of the best out there, so getting the better of him in a competition like that is a huge confidence boost. It’s a big achievement, but I know it’s just one step in the bigger journey.”
The 23-year-old Jamaican, who continues to train and compete with calm confidence, believes this result is a major milestone but not the destination.
“Beating him is definitely a milestone,” he said of Tentóglou, “but I’ll need to keep my focus and keep improving if I want to stay on top of my game—and I know I got that locked.”
Pinnock’s consistent rise over the last two seasons has made him one of Jamaica’s brightest field event stars. With indoor silver now added to his resume, and the outdoor season still ahead, Pinnock remains determined to finally upgrade silver to gold—possibly at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
For now, the signs are clear: Wayne Pinnock is no longer chasing the podium—he’s chasing the top step. And based on his form in Nanjing, gold is within reach.