Paris, France – At just 19 years old, Jaydon Hibbert made a lasting impression at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games when he finished fourth in the men’s triple jump final with a leap of 17.61 meters.

In his first Olympic Games, the young Jamaican athlete narrowly missed out on a medal, missing the bronze medal by just three centimeters. Despite facing a number of challenges, including an injury that hampered his performance, Hibbert expressed nothing but gratitude and positivity after the competition.

“First of all, I want to thank God for this moment,” Hibbert began, reflecting on his experience. “I did my best, gave it everything I had. What happened out there stays out there. I’m not going to take it into next season, but overall I think this is my last competition for the year and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity – first of all, to get to the Olympics.”

Hibbert, the reigning junior world champion and silver medalist, entered the competition with a season-best of 17.75 meters and a personal best of 17.87 meters. His road to the Olympics, however, was not without its difficulties. On his fourth attempt, Hibbert stumbled, which not only interrupted his jump but also caused an injury.

Focused and determined

“On my fourth jump, I kind of tripped and didn’t finish the jump, and that irritated my glutes, which then irritated my hamstrings on the fifth jump,” Hibbert explained. “I kind of felt it and expected something to happen, but I still went out there and did my best. I fought for that fourth place and I’m happy. But it’s nothing serious – I’m not disappointed.”

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Despite the injury and the pressure of competing on the Olympic stage, Hibbert remained focused and determined. He stressed that the wet conditions on the runway were not a negative factor for him; it was more a matter of mental preparation.

“It just took me a while to mentally prepare myself for it,” he said. “I didn’t really trust myself on some jumps, but then when I really thought I could do it, something happened. But it’s all a learning process. I’ve never been in such an intense competition and I came fourth. I know I could have done better – of course a personal record or whatever – but I’m grateful for moments like that.”

Hibbert’s road to the Olympics was one of perseverance. Coming into the Games, he estimated his fitness at “80 percent” after overcoming a small tear in his left knee, which he had bandaged for two months. The injury came after a bad fall in the sandpit during training, but Hibbert fought through, determined to compete on the world’s biggest stage.

Stay optimistic and focused

“Today when I was warming up I wasn’t able to perform at my best, but I still jumped 17.6 meters, which no junior has ever done,” Hibbert said proudly. “So I still have things to thank God for.”

Jaydon Hibbert ends his season remaining optimistic and excited about the future. He sees his Olympic experience as a valuable learning opportunity that taught him more about himself and the art of the triple jump. Although the result didn’t quite meet his expectations, Hibbert’s journey is far from over and he is determined to come back stronger.

“I am grateful for the experience and have definitely learned a lot more about myself and the triple jump,” he concluded.

Jaydon Hibbert’s performance in Paris is a testament to his resilience and talent. At just 19 years old, the future looks bright for this rising star in the world of athletics.