Hibbert could produce something special at ‘Trials’

ONE EVENT which will definitely have the crowd on their feet at next week’s JAAA/Puma National Junior and Senior Championships inside the National Stadium will be the men’s triple jump.

Teenager Jaydon Hibbert, who thrilled the fans at the Racers Grand Prix where he produced a then world-leading 17.75 metres, looks set to do something special when he contests the event during the June 27-30 meet.

Following his performance at the Racers Grand Prix meet, the 19-year-old Hibbert was touted by many as one of the country’s safest gold medallist at upcoming Olympic Games in Paris but things have changed since as at the European Championships in Italy two weeks ago, two jumpers went over the 18- metre barrier. Jordan Diaz Fortun of Spain produced a world-leading 18.18m to defeat Pedro Pichardo of Portugal second with 18.04m as Hibbert slipped to number three on the world Top list, behind the two former Cuban athletes.

With the expected great support for Hibbert, local fans could witness a special performance in the event inside the National Stadium as the World Under-20 record holder could become the best ever Jamaican in the event. James Beckford’s longstanding national record of 17.92m, set in 1995 in Texas, could be history and fans could witness the first 18m jump in the event on local soil.

Based on his build-up so far this season, when for the first time he went to 14 steps from his regular 10 to produce his season’s best, Hibbert, who was the world leader a year ago in the event with 17.87m, has the potential to go well over 18m.

With several top athletes struggling for quality performances, Hibbert could help to bring back the ‘vibes’ among the fans.

While Hibbert should easily win the event to successfully defend the title he won a year ago, Obrien Wasome with a season’s best 17.09 and Jordan Scott with a best of 17.02m will have their own battle for the runner-up spot.