Hudson’s passion to represent Jamaica remains strong
Published:Wednesday | September 7, 2022 | 12:10 AMSharla Williams/Gleaner Writer
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IN SPITE of a season of full of ups and down, American-born sprinter Andrew Hudson said that he remains no less passionate about representing Jamaica at the highest level. “I was born and raised in Texas, (but) my sister and I went back to Jamaica...
IN SPITE of a season of full of ups and down, American-born sprinter Andrew Hudson said that he remains no less passionate about representing Jamaica at the highest level.
“I was born and raised in Texas, (but) my sister and I went back to Jamaica often as children to visit my father and family. We always knew our Jamaican culture and were proud to be Jamaican,” Hudson told The Gleaner.
“We didn’t have the opportunity to be raised in Jamaica, but we’re happy to represent our blood,” he said.
Hudson, who has Jamaican lineage by way of his father who was born on the island, said he is also motivated by other Jamaican athletes to continue to grow individually in the sport and add to the island’s rich track and field athletics legacy.
“Of course, Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history (inspires me),” Hudson noted. “Recently, over the last couple years Shericka Jackson has been my favourite athlete, her range in the sprints is incredible to watch as a fan and athlete.”
Jackson has a personal best of 10.71 seconds in the 100 metres, 20.45 in the 200 metres and 49.47 in the 200m. Her standard of sprinting has brought her many athletic accolades such as numerous Olympic and World Championships medals, including 200m gold and 100m silver at the recently concluded World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
ROUGH START
The 25-year-old said that he has dreams of being just as decorated as the Jamaican athletes, but his first year of representing Jamaica was off to a rough start.
Despite winning the national 200m title, Hudson did not get cleared to represent Jamaica in time for the World Championships and was also left off of the Commonwealth Games list of athletes to represent the island.
Hudson, however, got his first opportunity to don the Jamaican colours at the NACAC Championships in Freeport, Bahamas.
He claimed the gold medal in a Commonwealth Games record of 19.87 seconds, which many track and field enthusiasts thought was good enough to make a statement that he will represent Jamaica well at future events.
The winning time he posted at this event was also a personal best for the sprinter.
“I feel honoured to win the NACAC Championship wearing the Jamaican uniform for the first time,” the national 200m champion said. “The championship record was a bonus (because) I didn’t go into the race seeking a time or a record, I just wanted to win my first international competition as a Jamaican athlete.
“I knew a lot of people were watching and waiting to see what I could do for the first time wearing green black and gold,” he beamed. “I’m happy I delivered.”
Hudson said the challenges and rewards of the 2022 season has motivated him to continue to do his best as a Jamaica sprinter.
“I would describe my 2022 season in one word as ‘interesting’. A lot of things happened this season I was not prepared for. Nonetheless, I felt I adapted to every situation as best as I could with an optimistic perspective,” Hudson said.
“My hopes are to have a healthy 2023 season, (and) compete for Jamaica internationally on the highest level,” he stated. “There are no specific goals I have as I just want to continue to progress athletically.”