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Hyde announces retirement from track on his birthday
February 03, 2025
Birthdays are often associated with new chapters, and Pan-American 400m hurdles gold medallist Jaheel Hyde has announced on his birthday that he is retiring as a professional athlete.
Hyde. who made the announcement on his Instagram page, reflected on his journey in athletics.
"When I started doing sports, my goal was to become the best, to reach the top, and to inspire a generation of athletes coming up behind me. I was blessed with the talent to excel in both track and football, but the Lord guided me toward track, and I never looked back," he said.
"That path led me to experiences I could have only dreamed of winning countless medals, setting world records as a junior, and competing against the very best in the world."
Hyde's career in athletics produced many medals from youth to a professional.
His youth days saw him winning many championships at the local and regional level, at the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships and Carifta Games, respectively.
On the world stage he was just as impactful, winning the World Youth Championships in the 110m hurdles in 2013, reaping gold in the same discipline at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, claiming the 400m hurdles World Junior Championships in 2014 and successfully defending his title in 2016.
While his career as a senior athlete was not as fruitful, Hyde still made an impact by claiming the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2023 Pan American Games and reaping bronze and silver at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, respectively.
At 28, his story takes another route following his retirement, but Hyde says he learnt many things from track and field which he will take along.
"Now as I step away from the sport that has given me so much, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Track and field has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me discipline, perseverance, and the power of belief," Hyde said.
Though not revealing the path he will now trod, Hyde says he hopes his career in track and field would have positively impacted the lives of many.
"Though I'm closing this chapter of my competitive career, my love for the sport will never fade. I hope my journey has inspired young athletes to chase their dreams with everything they have. Thank you, track and field you have given me more than I could ever ask for," he said.
Scores of people, including national and former rival Kemar Mowatt, Rasheed Broadbell, Christopher Taylor, Ristananna Tracey, and Reggae Boy Damion Lowe, expressed how they have been positively impacted by Hyde and also wished him well.
Hyde expressed thanks for all the support.
"I want to sincerely thank my coaches, past and present, for pushing me beyond my limits and moulding me into the athlete I became. To my family, friends, and fans your unwavering support fuelled me through every high and low.
"A special thank you to PUMA for believing in me and standing by my side throughout my journey. Your support allowed me to perform at my best, and I'm proud to have represented such an incredible brand," he said.
