Joyous Robinson leaps into Carifta history

Immaculate Conception High's jumper Jaeda Robinson, although not surprised, is overjoyed with her success at the recent Carfita Games in St. George's, Grenada, having won the under-17 girls' triple jump for Jamaica in a new record.

The 15-year-old Robinson has had an excellent season, and her 12.69 metres exploit at the Carifta Games was done in a negative wind of 3.7 metres per second and made her one of four Jamaican record breakers.

Robinson had two second-place finishes at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) in the Class Two girls' long jump and Open triple jump, performances she argues were used as inspiration going into Grenada.

"It was my first Carifta Games experience, and it was wonderful, especially given the fact that I broke a record that existed for a few years and got the chance to represent my country," Robinson stated.

"I was not surprised about winning the event or breaking the record. I was very confident going into the Games, coming off a high at Champs with a personal best of 13.21 metres in the event.

"Coming off my performances at Champs, it was a huge motivational factor for me. It gave me the actual confidence I needed to get the job done for myself and my country," she shared.

Quizzed about nervousness during the competition, Robinson responded: "No, I wasn't nervous. I was pretty confident going into the competition, given the fact that I broke the record on my first jump. I was just trying to keep consistent with my jumps and maintain the lead."

Robinson is desirous of achieving more success because of a genuine affection for the discipline.

"I have developed a great love for the sport, and I am working very hard with my coach to perfect my craft. I think that shows when I hit the runway," said the fourth-form student.

"My expectation going forward is to get a gold at the Boys and Girls' Championships and to continue making national teams," she said confidently.

The success Robinson has enjoyed this season is even more meaningful, because of the negligible suffering she endured earlier in the season.

"I am super grateful for the journey, coming back from a minor injury, jumping a personal best at Champs, and getting a Carifta medal. It was all more than I can ask for," she said.