‘I thought that I wasn’t going to make it’

PARIS, France:

When Jaydon Hibbert takes the runway for his first Olympic Games final this afternoon at 1:13 p.m. Jamaica time, he knows that he will not take the moment for granted, considering that his debut was moments away from not happening.

Hibbert qualified for today’s final sixth overall among the top 12 with his best jump being 16.99 metres. Hibbert, the third-best jumper in the world this year, disclosed that he was medically cleared the morning of qualification to compete.

“Trust me, I thought that I wasn’t going to make it. I don’t want to say too much as to why. But, trust me, it is a blessing to be here qualifying for the Olympic Games final. I just got the news today (Wednesday) that I could compete from my doctor, so it is kind of crazy. I just want to thank God,” Hibbert said. The process has been rough for the past two months. After the final, I will explain more but it’s a blessing just to be in the final.”

Hibbert did not reveal the nature of the injury which had him sweating on his participation but he said that his series in the qualifying rounds was passive. But now, with the realisation that he can jump on it (his leg), he hopes to make crucial corrections to give himself the best chance at a podium finish.

“I was a bit passive throughout my approach just because of the leg. But I can see that I can actually jump on it. So I will fix some things in the approach. Coach said I was running slow,” Hibbert said. “I wasn’t reactive and I felt the same. But, for the finals, it will be fixed.”

Hibbert was forced to retire from his first major global final last year at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary after a splendid season which saw him break the World under-20 record. With Hibbert’s new lease on life, he is determined to do all he can to become the first Jamaican man to win an Olympic medal in the event.

“I almost pulled out of the Olympics. So, just know that I am coming to get a medal,” the 19 year-old Hibbert said.

Two-time World Championships silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts has already created history by becoming the first Jamaican (man or woman) to claim an Olympic medal in the event, after her silver in the women’s triple jump final.