Hibbert hopes to inspire Arnett

Jaydon Hibbert couldn't have asked for a better rookie college season, which will culminate in his first senior World Championships next month in Budapest. With his success, he hopes that it offers inspiration and a pathway to excellence for the members of his community.

Hibbert captured his second national triple jump title on Sunday, winning with 17.68 metres to book his spot at the World Championships, his first major global senior games at 18.

Hibbert has smashed every milestone available this year, winning the college indoor and outdoor titles, breaking the world under-20 record and currently having the world-leading distance of 17.87 metres. Even for him, the magnitude of what he has achieved so far in seven months has surprised him.

"I never thought of it like that because when I saw the records coming, I was like 'Oh, I am on a role'. I'm honestly grateful because, at my age, I was like, 'at 17 I'll jump 17.20, maybe 17.50 at 18 max'. I guess God had a different plan for me. Jumping 17.80 is truly amazing at my age," Hibbert said. "It just shows how consistent I am throughout the season. Any day over 17 metres, at my age is a blessing."

His exploits have not gone unnoticed at home, with a billboard saluting his exploits recently in his home town of Arnett Gardens. Hibbert was humbled at the gesture, hoping his path would inspire others to follow the same dreams.

"It's just about inspiring the younger generation to never give up. They probably see me on Sunday evenings walking around and say, 'ok that is a regular person in the community', but seeing my progress over the years provides inspiration and a trajectory for hope for those younger children," Hibbert said.

Believing the field events are entering an exciting era locally, Hibbert is glad that Jamaicans are not just showing their strengths in the sprints; but in all other areas, which he says the local public is responding to.

"The field events can be argued that it's neglected. When you have people like Wayne Pinnock, Carey McCleod and myself, it brings hype to the event, and I'm glad that Jamaicans are adapting to the hype of the field events," Hibbert said.

For Hibbert, going to his first senior World Championships, he is excited about the experience, going into it with no pressure and gratitude for the appreciation from his peers.

"It is truly exciting, especially when the Jamaican athletes, the sprinters especially, cheer you on as a jumper. I truly love the experience," Hibbert said.