Hyde no longer just ‘happy to be here’

EUGENE, Oregon:

National 400m hurdles champion Jaheel Hyde said he is banking on his evolution as a competitor to make a first World Championship final and is eager to put the disappointment of that Tokyo Olympic semi-final to rest.

A first major championship final seemed to be within reach for Hyde last year, however, he clipped a barrier and would finish eighth in his semi-final.

With more maturity in the event, Hyde said he was determined for a reversal of fortunes, banking on his development since making his senior debut years ago.

“It has taught me a lot. Back then it was mostly youthful exuberance, just being happy to be at the games. But now I want to take it a step towards the final which is my goal for this championship. Once you are in the finals, anything can happen, you can use what happened with me last year,” Hyde told The Gleaner.

His first senior team appearance at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games saw him make the semi-finals as well as the following year’s World Championships in London. He switched coaches twice in 2018 before joining Swept Track Club head coach Okeile Stewart in 2019.

Stewart said in a previous interview that fatherhood had sharpened Hyde’s focus. Similar sentiments were expressed by Hyde, who said he has more motivation not to hold back every time he competes.

“Anything with life as you age you get experienced to certain things and it builds maturity. I have a family that is depending on me. I can do nothing but do what it takes to run and do well,” Hyde said.

“And I am sure that they will be looking at me and they will be proud of me in anything that I do. So it’s really thinking back that I have two persons wanting me to do well and wanting what’s best for me.”

The first round heats of the men’s 400m hurdles begin on Saturday at 3:20 p.m.