For Christof Bryan, the path back to the top of the high jump podium has been paved with obstacles, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Yet, through it all, he found the unwavering support and encouragement of his parents, Christopher and Carmen Bryan, who played an instrumental role in reigniting his passion for the sport after years of injury-induced hiatus.

Bryan, 27, a former standout at Wolmer's High School and Kansas State University, faced numerous challenges on his journey, including multiple knee surgeries and frustrating periods of rehabilitation that led him to walk away from the sport a few years ago. However, the indomitable spirit instilled in him by his parents, coupled with his own determination, eventually propelled him back onto the track and into the high jump pit.

Last Saturday's victory at the GC Foster Classic, where Bryan soared to a height of 2.20m despite the challenging circumstances of fading light, served as a testament to his resilience and steely focus on his goal of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

Despite the late start and dimming visibility, Bryan remained undeterred, channeling his determination into a performance that left him pleased with his progress.

Reflecting on his journey and the challenges he has overcome, Bryan expressed gratitude for the  support of his parents, who were instrumental in encouraging him to return to the sport he loves.

"My mom and dad, Christopher, Carmen Bryan. They were the ones that encouraged me to come back," he acknowledged. "I won't even lie to you. The only reason why I'm here back in Jamaica is my parents. They were the ones that encouraged me to come back. My dad even reached out to MVP before I even knew about it and they said 'yeah man, come' and it's been good. I enjoy being in the camp. I mean, it's hard, but I enjoy the grind of it."

Bryan's resurgence in the high jump arena has been marked by significant milestones, including a season-best jump of 2.25m at the Gibson McCook Relays, his best performance in almost a decade. With his sights set on the Olympic standard of 2.33m, Bryan remains focused on taking each step of his comeback journey one at a time, acknowledging the challenges ahead while embracing the opportunity to continue climbing towards his goals.

As he navigates the highs and lows of his athletic pursuit, Bryan finds solace in the support of his family and the satisfaction of knowing that he is relentless in the pursuit of his passion. "Once I start something, I want to try to complete it," he affirmed. "I've put in too much time and effort into it, so I'm going through with it."