Thompson-Herah has been nominated on the back of a phenomenal season on the track which saw her achieve new heights in the sport.
She ran 10.61 to win the 100 metres in Tokyo and followed that up with 21.53 to win the 200 metres, becoming the only woman to win the Olympic sprint double on two occasions after also doing so in Rio five years ago.
She was also a part of Jamaica’s victorious Women’s 4x100 metres relay team.
After the Olympics, Thompson-Herah went on to achieve even more success.
At the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on August 21st, Thompson sped to a personal best and national record time of 10.54 seconds, the second-fastest time ever in the women’s 100 metres.
She broke 10.7 seconds four times this season, including in the Diamond League final in Zurich where she ran 10.65 to win.
Thompson-Herah has been nominated for the award alongside Dutch distance runner, Sifan Hassan, American hurdler, Sydney McLaughlin, Venezuelan Triple Jumper, Yulimar Rojas and Kenyan middle-distance specialist, Faith Kipyegon.
Hassan won the 5000, 10,000 metres double in Tokyo and also broke the 10,000 metres world record this season.
McLaughlin set two new world records in the women’s 400 metres hurdles on her way to winning gold in Tokyo.
Rojas set a new triple jump world record to win gold in Tokyo, and Kipyegon set a new Kenyan record in the women’s 1500 metres while also winning gold in Tokyo.
The winner will be announced at the World Athletics Awards to be held virtually on December 1st.
Anderson’s move to the Under Armour-backed professional group marks a new chapter in his career, which has seen a steady rise on the international stage. In his Instagram post, Anderson reflected on the significance of the transition, saying, “The process already started; let’s leave the journey in God’s hands.”
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of Jamaica’s premier middle-distance runners, rewriting the history books for his country in the 800m. Anderson first etched his name in Jamaican athletics lore at the 2022 NCAA Outdoor Championships, where he clocked 1:45.02 to claim silver and set a new national record. That year, he also represented Jamaica at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and made his first senior final at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he finished fifth.
Anderson continued to raise the bar for Jamaican middle-distance running in 2023. At the Music City Challenge in Nashville, Tennessee, he broke the Jamaican indoor 800m record with a time of 1:46.58. Later that year, he set a new outdoor national record of 1:44.70 on July 30. He capped the season with a bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
This year, Anderson competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. While the Olympic Games provided invaluable experience, his move to the UA Mission Run Baltimore club signals a renewed focus on achieving even greater heights in his career.
The Baltimore-based club is renowned for fostering middle-distance talent, and Anderson’s presence will undoubtedly elevate their profile. For Jamaican athletics, his move represents another step in the nation’s ongoing pursuit of excellence across a wide range of disciplines.
Minister Grange disclosed that each athlete who qualifies this weekend will receive JMD$360,000. "For nutrition and just to help them to get ready," Grange stated, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation and support for the athletes. This financial boost aims to cover essential needs such as nutrition, training, and other preparatory activities critical for peak performance.
Furthermore, Minister Grange announced an additional incentive for the athletes and their support teams. "After the Olympics, we have set JMD$50 million aside," she said. "So after the Olympics, the athletes will receive funds, those who medal, those who didn’t medal and even the supporting team, everybody will get a little something," she said, crucially recognizing the collective effort required to compete at the highest level.
The announcement comes just days before the Jamaica National Championships, scheduled to take place from June 27-30, 2024, at the National Stadium in Kingston. This event will be a crucial opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Paris Olympics, with the new financial support adding an extra layer of motivation.
As the National Championships approach, athletes and their support teams can now look forward to the prospect of competing on the world stage in Paris with the backing of their government, further fueling their drive to succeed.
Distin, who will represent Jamaica at the Paris Olympics next month, announced the exciting news on Thursday via social media.
"Excited to announce that I’m stepping into the next chapter of my career with @pumarunning,” she posted in her Instagram account.
“Huge shoutout to my amazing management group @fortetrackandfield for their unwavering support and guidance. Excited for the future and opportunities ahead."
Distin's impressive track record includes being a three-time NCAA champion while at Texas A&M University. She is currently ranked third in the world after setting a new Jamaican national indoor record with a jump of 2.00m earlier this season, making her the first Jamaican woman to clear that height. Distin also boasts an outdoor best of 1.97m.
LaBeach was a member of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki as well as the 4x400m relay team that won gold.
He was also a member of Jamaica's 4 x 100m relay team that won gold at the CAC Games in Mexico City in 1954.
“Byron LaBeach, an Olympian and a servant son of the soil, has departed this mortal life and is now clothed in immortality. The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) mourns the loss of a revered son of our household but will always remember the character that he infused in the life of our home,” said JOA President Christopher Samuda in a statement on Wednesday.
“I salute Byron LaBeach not only for his achievements in the athletic arena but also for the selfless spirit and valour he embodied which, for successive generations of athletes, should be an invaluable lesson in life in sport and beyond.
“These attributes earned him coveted places in the Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games and Mexico City 1954 Central American and Caribbean Games. The Olympic pin which he received officially in June 2019 was for us, more than a symbolic act. The conferment represented the soul of Olympism which he exemplified with ineffable humility.”
Meanwhile, Minister Grange said despite not being as famous as his other relay teammates, LaBeach deserved the country’s recognition.
“From early, he was promising with good performances at Gaynstead private school from where he got a scholarship to St George's College and later fulfilled his promise, representing Jamaica well.
“Deservedly, Byron LaBeach was among the first eight persons inducted into its Hall of Fame, by the then Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) and he also received an Olympic Pin from the Jamaica Olympic Association.
“My deepest sympathy to his three children and four grandchildren and to his friends and associates. Jamaican track and field have lost another of its stalwarts but Byron LaBeach played a long innings doing his best for his country.”
LaBeach was the second Jamaican Olympian from the 1952 Games to die this year. Les Laing passed away in February at the age of 96.
The induction ceremony, held at the John D. Fuller, Sr. Recreational Athletic Complex, was organized by Chairman Stephen Sims and his committee. Turner joined an esteemed group of inductees, including other former athletes, coaches, and the celebrated 2002 CIAA Championship Football Team, as they were formally enshrined into the institution’s Hall of Fame.
A native of Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, Turner’s journey in athletics began at Barton Community College, where she earned an impressive 16 National Junior College All-America honors and set multiple school records. In 1993, she captured the NJCAA Division I Championship in the 800m with a record-breaking 2:04.88, setting the stage for her future as an elite athlete. Representing Jamaica on the global stage, Turner competed in the 800m and 4x400m relay at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She won gold in the 800m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games and a bronze in the 4x400m relay at the 1997 World Championships, adding to her collection of medals from the CARIFTA Games and CAC Junior Championships.
Turner’s athletic achievements transitioned seamlessly into a coaching career beginning in 2004, with stints at New York Track Club and North Carolina A&T State University. As head coach at Winston-Salem State University, she led her teams to nine conference titles and was named CIAA Coach of the Year eight times. Her success continued upon joining Fayetteville State University in 2017, where she transformed the program into a powerhouse. Under her guidance, the women's cross country team secured six consecutive CIAA titles, while the indoor track & field team also excelled, capturing multiple championships. In total, Turner has led her teams to 23 CIAA Championship titles, each one cemented with a Coach of the Year honor.
Turner’s influence extends beyond the track, as evidenced by the Inez Turner Foundation, which she founded in 2012 to support disadvantaged students at her alma mater, Vere Technical High School. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University, Turner’s dedication to empowering others reflects the purpose of Fayetteville State University’s Athletics Hall of Fame: honoring those who have made outstanding and significant contributions to the program.
Turner’s recognition serves as a testament to her profound impact on the sport and the lives she has touched throughout her career. Her legacy, both as an athlete and a coach, will inspire generations to come, underscoring the power of commitment, resilience, and a passion for excellence.
The award recognises outstanding professionals in North and Central in Louisiana, who have made a positive impact on their communities.
The 37-year-old Morgan has been a standout member of his community where he is the Fatherhood Programme Coordinator for Life of Choice North Central Louisiana. He also serves as the Campus Coordinator for at-risk kids and is a motivational speaker for youth groups on character and leadership.
Morgan said he was humbled and honoured at being an award winner.
“Thank you kindly, Monroe Chamber of Commerce for recognizing me as one of the North East and North Central Louisiana Top 20 young professional,” he said in a post on Facebook.
“I will continue to be a servant and let God be my guide on this journey. I also want to thank all the people who have supported me and believed in me and giving me the opportunity to work with them.”
Morgan is a motivational speaker at several high schools in his community, churches and at youth events. He has also worked with teenagers and young adults aiding their personal development and also as a mentor and coach.
“It’s also a jubilant feeling when I can share that in the past eight years I have coached over 19 high school athletes receiving college track and field scholarships in the discus, shot put and javelin, so they could get an education and excel in sports,” he said.
The 38-year-old Stewart takes the position as head coach, a year after signing with Buena Vista as an assistant coach for their Track & Field/Cross Country programs.
“I am elated to join this dynamic and evolving team that’s invested in developing and inspiring young men and women. I can’t wait to start this new position and contribute my wealth of experience and knowledge to growing and developing our student-athletes,” said Stewart, who won a silver in the 100m behind Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“With any new position, I know there will be challenges, but I am ready and committed.”
Stewart, who won a silver medal as a member of Jamaica’s 4x100m team at the London 2012 Games, will be working with Coach Tim Mack as well as SPIRE’s Director of Track & Field Kibwe Johnson.
"I am thrilled to have Kerron join our coaching staff at SPIRE,” Mack said of Stewart’s appointment. “She brings a ton of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to our track & field program.”
Meanwhile, Johnson said Stewart completes the ‘Dream Team’ coaching staff at SPIRE.
"I'm incredibly humbled to be able to add a coach with the vast wealth of knowledge and experience that Kerron will bring to the student-athletes of the SPIRE Track & Field program,” Johnson said.
“It's one thing to be a coach with vast personal experience. It's quite another to also align with the principles of leadership and teaching that I expect from this coaching staff. We're happy to have her.”
Myton, a middle-distance runner, competed at the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games for Jamaica. He was also a mentor for a number of Jamaica’s elite athletes most notably two-time Olympic Veronica Campbell-Brown, Simone Facey, Colin Bradford and Shereefa Lloyd.
Myton was a double gold medalist at the 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games, taking the individual 800 metres title and also sharing in the team gold medals with the Jamaican 4×400 metres relay team.
He won a bronze medal in the 4×400 metre relay at the 1967 Pan American Games. He also won a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the British West Indies Championships in 1965, a year after winning the silver medal at the 1964 British West Indies Championships.
Reaction to the news of Myton’s death was immediate.
“The Olympians Association of Jamaica expresses our condolences to the family and friends of Neville Myton,” the OAJ posted on its Instagram page.
Facey posted on Instagram, “RIP Dad. I can’t believe you are gone.”
Myton was born in Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine on May 28, 1946, and attended Old Harbour Bay Primary before moving to Excelsior High School in 1963.
From Excelsior, Myton matriculated to Mesa Junior College where he helped his college win the National Junior College Athletic Association Championships but twice. He would later transfer to San Jose State University where he became teammates with the legendary Tommy Smith and John Carlos.
Myton graduated from San Jose State University in 1971 with two degrees — a BA in Social Science and a BA in Physical Education and returned to Jamaica where he became a coach at Vere Technical, Tivoli Comprehensive and Old Harbour High School.
Myton’s death followed that of iconic American sprinter Lee Evans, also a student of San Jose State, who also died today at the age of 74. Jamaican Olympian Dennis Johnson, who died on April 22, was also a San Jose State alumni. He was 81 years old.
The 37-year-old Facey, a World Championship gold, silver and bronze medallist and an Olympic 4x100m silver medalist, made the announcement on Facebook on Monday that she is now a USA Track and Field Certified Level 1 coach.
She completed the course on August 26, 2022.
Facey represented Jamaica for more than two decades ever since 2000 when she won her first medal, a silver in the 200m at the Carifta Games held in St George’s, Grenada.
The former Vere Technical star also won six gold medals at the CAC Junior Championships between 2000 and 2002. Most notably, she was a member of Jamaica’s U20 4x100m relay team that included Sherone Simpson, Aneisha McLaughlin, and Kerron Stewart, which won 4x100m gold at the 2002 World U20 championships in Kingston.
She was last seen in competition during Jamaica’s National Championships in 2019 when she ran 23.21 to finish fifth in the finals of the 200m.
She was recently in the stands at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, cheering on her countrymen and women.
Expressing her gratitude on Instagram, Campbell Brown wrote, “Thank you @njcaa for the Hall of Fame induction, I deeply appreciate this prestigious recognition. I want to thank everyone who supported and believed in me throughout my journey.” She received her award with her husband Omar and their two children proudly looking on from the audience.
The NJCAA Hall of Fame aims to celebrate individuals who have significantly contributed to opportunities at the two-year college level, both athletically and professionally. The Hall of Fame honours administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and influential contributors who have been pioneers throughout the association's history.
Campbell Brown's journey to greatness began in Trelawny, Jamaica, and led her to Barton Community College (KS), an NJCAA member, on a track and field scholarship. As a Cougar, she set numerous records, some of which still stand today.
She holds NJCAA records in the 200m outdoor and the 60m indoor track and field events. After her successful stint at Barton, she moved to the University of Arkansas, where she continued to break records and is now celebrated as the most decorated Olympic athlete associated with the state.
Turning professional in 2004, Campbell Brown made history at the Athens Olympics, becoming the first Jamaican woman to win a gold medal in a sprint event. Her performance at these Games, which also included a gold in the relay and a bronze in the 200m, established her as the most successful Caribbean athlete at a single Olympics.
She continued to shine at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming only the second woman to defend her 200m title successfully.
Her Olympic career spanned five Games, from 2000 to 2016, where she competed in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, medaling in each edition. Her rivalry with Allyson Felix is one of the most memorable in athletics, with both athletes dominating the 200m event from 2004 onwards.
Beyond the Olympics, Campbell Brown's achievements include multiple medals at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Indoor Championships, Continental Cup, World Athletics Final, World Relay Championships, World Junior Championships, CAC Junior Championships, and Carifta Games.
Since retiring, Campbell Brown has taken on roles such as a UNESCO Sport Ambassador and founder of the VCB Foundation, which provides mentorship and financial assistance to young women in Jamaica.
Campbell Brown’s induction into the NJCAA Hall of Fame recognizes her remarkable contributions to track and field and her enduring impact on the sport and beyond.
Laing, who was born in Linstead, St. Catherine would have been 96 on February 19.
Laing represented Jamaica at the Olympics in 1948 and 1952. In 1948, he was sixth in 200m.
In Helsinki, he was fifth in the 200 m and ran the second leg in the Jamaican 4 × 400 m relay team, which won the gold medal with a new world record of 3:03.9.
He was inducted into the Central American and Caribbean Confederation Hall of Fame in 2005.
Laing is the third member of the relay team to have died. Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley died in 1992 and 2007, respectively. George Rhoden, the fourth member of the team and who held the 400m world record, is the only surviving member.
Prior to the Paris Olympic Games, the former Ruseas and St Jago High School student and Clemson University and University of Arkansas alumnus took part in NFL rookie training camps with the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. Though unfamiliar with the game—he donned a football helmet for the first time during these sessions—Stona is intrigued by the opportunity to translate his athletic prowess to the football field. "If there’s like a 99 percent chance that I’ll make a team, then, obviously, I’ll go for it,” Stona shared in an interview with CNN Sport, acknowledging the risk to his athletics career, "but if it’s like one or two, though, I got to be realistic."
Having initially been inspired by Usain Bolt's Olympic gold at Beijing 2008, Stona gravitated toward athletics after a youth spent exploring various sports, including soccer, his first love. It wasn’t until high school that he found his true calling in track and field, particularly the discus throw. "I yanked it, it just dropped right out of 20 meters," he recalled of his first experience with the discipline.
Stona’s path to Olympic glory was further shaped by his collegiate career in the United States. At Clemson and later at the University of Arkansas, he was mentored by Ryan Crouser, a three-time Olympic shot put champion. Crouser’s guidance during Stona’s final year of collegiate eligibility instilled in him the confidence to push his limits, ultimately leading to his standout performance in Paris.
While his NFL aspirations remain in the exploratory stage, Stona is taking a calculated approach. With the NFL season already underway, he plans to prioritize rest and recovery after a demanding athletics season but admits his interest is piqued. "Everywhere I go, people don’t ask, ‘Hey, you’re a discus thrower?’ No, people don’t ask that!" Stona joked. “Especially in the States, they ask, ‘Do you play football?’”
Stona’s next steps will involve discussions with agents and coaches to assess the feasibility of an NFL career. "As soon as I get advice from agents and coaches, that will put me in a better position to make a very important decision or just be more decisive if it’s worth it or not,” he said. “If that part leads me there, then I’m going to give it my all because it’s kind of now or never. I’m curious as to what I can do on the field, and if I end up playing in the NFL, that would be a part of my legacy – I’d love to do that.”
Born on December 13, 1926, in Kingston, Jamaica, Rhoden’s journey to Olympic greatness began in the late 1940s, where he emerged as one of the leading long sprinters of his era. Alongside his compatriots Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley, Rhoden helped establish Jamaica as a dominant force in athletics during the post-war period.
Rhoden first competed in the 1948 London Olympics, where he participated in the 100m and 400m events. Although he did not secure a medal in London, it was a precursor to the greatness that would follow. Rhoden and his teammates were expected to perform strongly in the 4x400m relay, but a muscle injury to Wint during the final dashed their hopes of a medal.
Undeterred, Rhoden continued to build on his successes. On August 22, 1950, he set a new world record in the 400m, clocking 45.8 seconds in Eskilstuna, Sweden. His dominance in the 400m was further cemented by his victories in the AAU championships from 1949 to 1951 and the NCAA championships while at Morgan State University, where he claimed titles in the 220-yard (200m) and 440-yard (400m) events.
Rhoden’s crowning achievement came at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where he was a pre-race favorite in the 400m. In a thrilling race, Rhoden narrowly edged out his fellow Jamaican and close friend, Herb McKenley, to claim the gold medal. But Rhoden’s Olympic glory did not end there. As the anchor leg of Jamaica’s 4x400m relay team, he led his team to victory, securing a second gold medal and setting a new world record of 3:03.9. This victory was especially sweet, as it came against the United States, the country where Rhoden had made his home after moving to San Francisco.
Rhoden’s legacy is one of perseverance, excellence, and national pride. His achievements paved the way for future generations of Jamaican athletes, setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire.
As the last surviving member of that legendary 1952 relay team—comprising Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Arthur Wint, and Les Laing—his passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics. Rhoden’s contributions to the sport, both on and off the track, will be remembered as a cornerstone of Jamaica's rich sporting heritage.
George Rhoden is survived by his family, friends, and a grateful nation that will forever honor his contributions to Jamaica's sporting legacy.
Seville, who finished fourth at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest where Lyles clinched his first 100m world title, is optimistic about his chances this season, having managed to steer clear of injury thus far. Seville's coach, Glen Mills, revealed earlier this year that an injury at a crucial stage last season hindered Seville's performance in Budapest, where he clocked 9.88 seconds, narrowly missing out on a medal.
Reflecting on his preparation for the upcoming races, Seville expressed confidence in his improved health and training regimen this season. "This year I have taken some drastic steps with regards to my injuries and injury management. I am cautious with what I'm doing so I am healthy at this point, and everything is going well," Seville explained at Tuesday's launch of the Racers Grand Prix at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.
Seville's recent performances, including a 47.44-second 400m and a 20.17-second 200m, demonstrate his dedication and hard work leading into this pivotal season. "The 47.44 and the 20.17 that I ran show my dedication and hard work, so it is a possibility that I can make it onto the medal podium if things work out as planned," Seville remarked.
“Last year, I didn’t get to train the way I really wanted to but this year I got to train the way I wanted so everything is working out. I am stronger because I have got more chances training wise to do things I didn’t get the chance to do last year because of some niggles that I had.
“I had some issues with my back and stuff which caused me not to be able to lift weights as much as I could but I got it sorted out now and I am good.”
Looking ahead to the Racers Grand Prix, where he will face off against Lyles and training partner Zharnel Hughes, Seville expressed excitement about the opportunity to race against the world's best. "The last time I competed against Lyles was at the World Championship finals, so it's good to run with him before the Olympics to get a feel of what is to come," Seville emphasized.
The clash between Seville, Lyles, and Hughes at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston, promises to be a thrilling preview of what's in store for the Olympic Games in Paris, as Seville aims to secure his first global medal.
Barcelona youngster Fermin, who played a bit-part role as Spain won Euro 2024, slammed in a sublime strike in each half of Friday's quarter-final in Lyon.
Having beat the despairing dive of Leo Kokubo with a long-range left-footed effort in the 11th minute, Fermin took centre stage again midway through the second half as he lashed in with an expertly controlled volley after taking the ball down on his chest.
Matters could have been vastly different had a first-half equaliser for Japan been allowed to stand, however.
Mao Hosoya brilliantly spun Pau Cubarsi to arrow home, only for the goal to be disallowed for the forward's right foot to have been millimetres offside as he tussled with the Spanish centre-back.
Hosoya was denied by Spain goalkeeper Arnau Tenas late on, but La Roja added gloss to an ultimately convincing win when captain Abel Ruiz poked in from close range after Japan failed to clear their lines from a set-piece.
Kota Takai struck the crossbar in one last fruitless attempt for Japan, and Spain will now ready themselves for a last-four tie with Morocco.
Data Debrief: Fabulous Fermin
Spain have one of the strongest squads at the tournament, and Fermin is possibly the standout.
He showed all his quality with his fantastic long-range finishes, which came from a combined expected goals (xG) of just 0.03.
Fermin had five shots in total, and hit the target with four of them, as he moved into joint-second place in the goalscoring charts with three, behind Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi.
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.
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.
Richards triumphed in the 200m at the National Stadium in Kingston last weekend, clocking an impressive 20.13 seconds. Reflecting on his race, Richards rated his performance highly. "I would rate it an eight out of 10. I felt really good in the warm-up. I thought I was ready to come off the turn in front of them although those guys are more one-two guys and I’m a four-two guy. Came off the turn not exactly where I wanted to be, but I know I’m strong and once I get tall, ain't much people could run the last 100m as effective as me."
While the time wasn't exactly what he had anticipated, Richards was pleased with his overall fitness and performance. "I won with 20.1. It wasn’t the time I expected, but I felt really good. If you give me three minutes (recovery) I could run that same time again. So praise God for the fitness level I have right now. I have to work on the speed a little bit more, but I believe everything is falling into the right time and the right place and when I actually need it to be, it’s gonna be there."
As Richards prepares for the Trinidad and Tobago national championships, he remains undecided on whether he will compete in the 200m or the 400m. Regardless of the event, his primary focus remains on maintaining his form and readiness for Paris.
When it comes to carrying the hopes of Trinidad and Tobago on the global stage, Richards feels no added pressure. The last time Trinidad and Tobago secured an Olympic medal was at the 2016 Rio Games when Keshorn Walcott won bronze in the men’s javelin. Despite this, Richards maintains a grounded perspective.
"To me, it’s no pressure. The way I think about it is the only people I really care about are my intimate circle—my family, my wife, my mother, and my close friends, my siblings also. Even though I know I will have the support of Trinidad and Tobago and the pressure of being expected to win a medal, at the end of the day, if I know I do well or don’t do well, my family and my intimate circle are the ones who actually do care about me outside of sport, so when I focus on them it takes away all the pressure."
Richards' approach emphasized the importance of personal support over external expectations. "People could say bad about performances, my family loves me each and every day and it doesn’t matter."
With this mindset, Jereem Richards is poised to tackle the challenges of the Olympic Games in Paris with confidence and composure, knowing that his success on the track is supported by the unwavering love and support of those who matter most to him.
As Richards gears up for Paris 2024, he reflects on his journey, the unity among Caribbean athletes, and his dream of Olympic success in an exclusive interview with World Athletics Inside Track.
Richards, a 30-year-old multiple global medallist, has become a beacon of inspiration for many. He clinched 400m gold at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade and was an integral part of Trinidad and Tobago’s triumphant 4x400m relay team at the 2017 World Championships in London. However, his achievements extend beyond medals; they embody the spirit and resilience of the Caribbean.
"I would say Trinidad and Tobago is a melting pot of the Caribbean. We have very diverse people and a mixture of cultures when it comes to food, music, and everything like that. It’s definitely a really great country," Richards said, highlighting the vibrant cultural tapestry that shapes his identity and fuels his passion for track and field.
For Richards, track and field is more than a sport—it is a vital part of Trinidad and Tobago's history. "Track and field, to me, means a lot. To Trinidad and Tobago, it is definitely one of the most successful sports in our history. I try my best to use my platform to not just educate people about the sport, but to keep the people of Trinidad and Tobago interested in track and field," he explained.
The sense of collective pride among Caribbean athletes is profound. "When I see someone win from a Caribbean island, I feel like I win, too," Richards reiterated, emphasizing the unique bond that links the Caribbean nations in their athletic endeavors.
As Paris 2024 approaches, Richards remains focused on his lifelong dream. "This has been my dream, to be an Olympic medallist, from the first day I started running track and field," he said. "I’m just excited to go through the cycle this year and see how it turns out in Paris. I think my entire life journey builds up to this moment."
Richards also shared valuable advice for young athletes. "Try to find the good in each and every situation. Even if things don’t go your way, there’s going to be some part of that bad situation that has good in it. And even if you can’t find the good in it, use it as an example of what not to do or as motivation moving forward."
As he prepares for the upcoming Olympic cycle, Richards' journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unifying force of sports. His story inspires not only his fellow Trinidadians but also the entire Caribbean, as they collectively dream of Olympic glory in Paris 2024.
