#Champs2024 | JC’s Benjamin still wants Gold despite injury-affected season

While an injury may have cost Jamaica College’s (JC) Hector Benjamin some valuable time off the track, the Old Hope Road-based school’s leading man says he is still aiming to win the coveted Boys Class 1 100-metre title.

Benjamin made the headlines early in the season when he clocked an impressive 10.34-second opener at the McKenley/Wint Classic in January.

However, the athlete was sidelined after suffering an injury in his preparations for Champs. But despite the injury setback, Benjamin looked comfortable as he won his preliminary heat yesterday to book his spot in today’s semi-finals later.

Benjamin crossed the line in 10.81, finishing ahead of Martino Williams of Camperdown High School in 10.97, while Hydel’s Zico Bennett was third in 11.04.

Following the race, Benjamin said he was happy to have recovered in time to compete at this year’s staging.

“It feels pretty good for me to come back from injury and to finish the race healthy. That was my main focus.”

“I’m pretty confident in myself so let’s see how the semi-finals go.”

Benjaimin said that while he had been unable to compete consistently throughout the season, he was still hard at work with his coaches to best prepare for Champs.

As such, he says he should still be considered a major contender for the event’s top spot.

He explained that such was his confidence that he was not concerned about any specific opponent.

“I’m not focusing on anyone. I’m just focusing on my lane and my execution; nobody else,” he said.

“So no, it doesn’t. The injury doesn’t take away from my chances. I was still working when I was injured so we’ll see that in the semi-finals.”

As one of JC’s captains, Benjamin says his return from injury has been significant for the team and that he was ready to do his best to earn as many points as possible as they prepare to battle heavy favourites and rivals Kingston College (KC) for the boys’ title.

Benjamin is confident that JC can prove competitive in the title race throughout all five days of competition.

“Well, the team is supposed to be pretty confident now. I’m one of the captains and I’m coming back from injury and I tried to motivate them even during my injury when they were feeling down. But I hope that they’re confident now that I’m healthy and ready to bring home the trophy.”

Benjamin returns to action today in the 100m semi-finals where he will be hoping that a good performance can book his spot in tonight’s finals.

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