Benjamin sets sights on Class One 100m record

Jamaica College’s (JC) self-described ‘cool kid’ Hector Benjamin will be a name on everyone’s radar as the sprinter is expected to make a splash in the Class One boys’ 100 metres at this year’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs).

Benjamin has already captured the public’s attention after JC’s sprint coach Jody Muschette warned rivals that he will pose a threat to Bouwahjgie Nkrumie’s record of 9.99 second in the 100m.

“Hector Benjamin, definitely. He will definitely perform. We’re going for the record for the 100m, definitely. Right now, we’re looking at him for great things at Champs,” Muschette told The Gleaner.

Despite his coach’s bold prediction, Benjamin is under no pressure to perform at Champs.

“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure for me,” he said. “My coach is in charge of my programme so he knows what he’s saying. I didn’t say I was going for a record, my coach said that. He has control over my programme and he believes I can do it. If he believes I can, then why shouldn’t I? The media is going to talk, but I’m just working.”

Benjamin who celebrated his 19th birthday on January 10 fell in love with track and field after seeing the likes of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Yohan Blake competing against the best in the world.

Like many athletes his age, he grew up watching Jamaican sprinters performing at the global level and always knew he wanted to follow in their footsteps. He hopes to one day represent his country like his idols before him, but for now, his eyes are set on Champs.

As one of the star athletes for JC this year, he is aware of the responsibility he has to fulfil, but said that this is also a responsibility carried by the rest of his teammates.

“Everybody is excited to see what is to come. The different disciplines are working and we want to put on a show for everybody and try and win the title. Everybody has that responsibility. Once you’re on the team, then you have that responsibility. So, I have a responsibility and I’m going to try my best to fulfil that responsibility.”

“Seeing others in the stands, and knowing my family is back at home watching; friends and everybody watching, I just want to put on a show for everybody and to make everybody proud.”

Benjamin featured in JC’s sprint team at last year’s Champs, but despite high expectations, he would leave the five-day championships without a medal.

He placed fourth in the 100m in 10.39, where Nkrumie won the title in 9.99 to become the first Jamaican junior to dip below the 10-second mark.

Benjamin would face even more heartbreak when in the 4x100m relay, his teammate Mark Anthony Miller pulled up in the race due to injury and JC failed to advance to the final.

Yet despite the set-backs, Benjamin said last year was a lesson for him and this year, he is aiming to take home the gold.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a disappointment, I would say it’s a lesson. Sometimes bad decisions are made and we have to move forward and make sure that next time we have to do better.

“I would say on the day, it’s who executes the race better but I wouldn’t doubt myself. Of course, anybody who’s in the final would want the gold medal. Everybody wants to win, so of course, I want to win,” Benjamin said.