Jamaica will not be represented in the men’s 4x400m relay at the upcoming Paris Olympics after their final bid to make the top 16 in the world fell short on Sunday. The team of Reheem Hayles, JeVaughn Powell, Kimar Farquharson, and Tarees Rhoden ran a courageous 2:59.75 at the NACAC New Life Invitational in Nassau, Bahamas, but it was not enough to surpass Zambia’s 2:59.12 from March. This marked the third failed attempt to qualify after earlier efforts at the World Athletics Relays in May. With Elaine Thompson-Herah only competing in the 100m and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s advancing age, it’s time for Jamaica to turn its attention to the field events, where promising talent is emerging.
The Rising Star: Jaydon Hibbert
Jaydon Hibbert, born on January 17, 2005, has quickly established himself as a formidable force in the triple jump. At just 17, he won gold at the 2022 World Under-20 Championships, following a silver medal in the 2021 edition. Hibbert holds world U20 outdoor and indoor records in the triple jump and the Jamaican senior record for the indoor event. His remarkable achievements include winning the prestigious Bowerman Award in December 2023, track and field’s collegiate equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
Hibbert’s journey began at Kingston College, and he continued his education and athletic career at the University of Arkansas. Competing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, he has consistently shattered records. In March 2023, he set an outright world U20 triple jump record with a leap of 17.54 meters at the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships. By May, he had improved this to 17.87 meters at the SEC Championships, placing him 13th on the world all-time list.
Despite a setback with a hamstring strain at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hibbert has continued to excel. In May 2024, he jumped 17.57 meters to win the Jamaica International and followed this with a 17.75-meter jump at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston.
Shanieka Ricketts: Consistent Excellence
Shanieka Ricketts, born on February 2, 1992, is another Jamaican athlete shining in the triple jump. She won the silver medal at the 2019 World Championships in Doha and has personal bests of 15.03 meters outdoors and 14.08 meters indoors. Ricketts has had a successful career competing for the San Diego State Aztecs, winning NCAA titles in 2013 and 2014.
In recent performances, Ricketts has continued to demonstrate her prowess. She secured third place at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene with a season-best jump of 14.55 meters and won the inaugural Jamaica Athletics Invitational with a 14.50-meter jump. Ricketts’ consistent performances and her ability to compete under pressure make her a strong contender for Olympic success.
A Shift in Focus
With the disappointment in the men’s 4x400m and uncertainties surrounding some of Jamaica's sprint stars, a strategic shift towards field events seems prudent. Athletes like Jaydon Hibbert and Shanieka Ricketts represent the next wave of Jamaican talent, ready to uphold the nation’s legacy of excellence on the global stage. Their achievements highlight the potential for Jamaica to diversify its medal prospects and continue its storied history of athletic success.
As the athletics events at the Paris Olympics approach, taking place from August 1-11, Jamaican fans and officials should rally behind these field event athletes. Their dedication, talent, and record-breaking performances promise to bring glory to Jamaica in new and exciting ways. The future of Jamaican athletics looks bright, and it’s time to embrace the full spectrum of opportunities available on the world stage.