Hyde makes big change

BUDAPEST, Hungary

Jaheel Hyde made a big change in his life during the 2023 track and field season.

And while he missed out on getting to back-to-back 400-metre hurdles finals at the World Athletics Championships Hyde believes that there is room for him to push further on and get better in his new environment.

Hyde finished fourth in 48.49 seconds in his semi-final heat which was not enough to advance to the final as an non-automatic qualifier.

The big change for Hyde was his decision to go overseas to train in the United States.

"I made a drastic life change. I went overseas. This year has been a different year. Been a good year but different. I had to spend the first couple of months adjusting. I am a warrior so that is not difficult for me," Hyde said. "I trained with a couple of other Jamaicans so they kind of eased me into it. There wasn't any amount of culture shock."

Hyde believes he has seen some improvements in his new environs and knows what he needs to work on to maintain his composure in the last part of the 400m hurdles race to put himself in a position for success. However, he feels he has made improvements in other areas this year.

"I just couldn't hold it together. I guess I have to work on that area. The other part has been better than last year," Hyde said. "My start was probably not as fast but with the adrenaline and everything I probably have to keep it more under control and be a bit more in control of the speed rather than just going. It's just to put together an even race and I think I will be good from there.

What he is proud of seeing is his former training partner, national champion Roshawn Clarke, get the same opportunity today that he got last year in Oregon, competing in a World Championships final after he broke the world under-20 400m hurdles record and became the fastest Jamaican in history in the event while competing in the semi-finals.

"We have been friends for years, even at the camp we eat together, in the same room together So to see my ex-training partner get that (national record) I am happy for him," Hyde said.