Mon | May 6, 2024

The Hail Mary that created history

Ackelia Smith uses final jump to put three Jamaicans into triple jump final

Published:Sunday | July 17, 2022 | 12:12 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
Ackelia Smith hurtles down the runway at the Hayward Field on her way to the final of the women’s triple jump to become one of three Jamaican qualifiers to the World Athletics Championships final yesterday.
Gladstone Taylor/Multimedia Photo Editor
Ackelia Smith hurtles down the runway at the Hayward Field on her way to the final of the women’s triple jump to become one of three Jamaican qualifiers to the World Athletics Championships final yesterday.

EUGENE, Oregon:

NATIONAL TRIPLE jumper Ackelia Smith looked up to the likes of World Championships silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts and Kimberly Williams as she has risen through the ranks.

Now, she will join them in the women’s triple jump final in her senior team debut, a moment that brought Ricketts to the verge of tears.

Smith earned her spot with a personal best effort of 14.36 metres on her final attempt in yesterday’s qualification round, thanks to advice from Ricketts, who had already secured her place with a jump of 14.45, well above the 14.40 qualifying standard.

“Literally before I came over (to the mixed zone) I just told her just pretend like you are in training and just jump. These girls are not better than you,” Ricketts said.

With Williams’ effort of 14.27 enough for the 12th and final qualification spot, Jamaica, for the first time in a major championship final, will have three participants.

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT

The moment was not lost on young Smith, who said that it is an achievement that is significant, especially in light of the inspiration the two more senior jumpers had been for her.

Smith wants to pay it forward.

“It means a whole lot. Growing up I looked up to those ladies. I have watched their jumps a million times. To be able to compete with them is a great honour,” Smith said.

“Not just for me, but also for young girls back home to see that in the triple there is space for them.”

Looking on at Smith, both Ricketts and Williams see the future of the sport in Jamaica and are excited.

“I remember when I just made the team it was myself and Kimberly and she was like a role model to me. So I try my best to be a role model to her (Smith).

“I remember competing with her at the National Championships and it’s really exciting to see her step up because we are getting older,” Ricketts said.

“So it is good to see her coming up and I hope she can come up and take up the mantle.”

“I am happy I can be a good role model for her and hopefully when I retire, she will take over and we will have other young athletes and they will be able to look up to her as well,” Williams said.

The women’s triple jump final will take place tomorrow at 8:20 p.m.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com