History-making Hyde points to Parchment

DONETSK, Ukraine:History-making Jamaican 110m hurdles World Youth champion Jaheel Hyde pointed to his countryman Olympic bronze medallist Hansle Parchment as his biggest inspiration and believes Jamaican sprint hurdling is on the rise.

Hyde became the first Jamaican to medal in the 110m hurdles at the WYC, doing so in a championship record 13.13, which fell just outside the 13.12 World Youth record set by Wilhem Belocian last year.

His performance yesterday follows a World Youth record 12.94 gold-medal winning run by girls' 100m hurdles champion Yanique Thompson on Tuesday, and Hyde believes that the country is set for continued sprint-hurdling success.

"I am elated, I came out here with one goal in mind and that was to win the gold medal. I spoke to my coach (Christopher Harley) a couple days ago and he was certain that I could do it, and I'm just really happy for the gold medal and also the championship record," said Hyde.

"I wanted to create history for my country, it's an amazing feeling knowing that I am the first to come at the World Youth Championships and win a medal for Jamaica, and not just a medal, but the gold and a championship record," he beamed.

Since 'Champs' earlier this year, Hyde has walked around with a picture of Parchment, who at last year's Olympic Games in London became the first Jamaican Olympic sprint hurdles medallist, on his phone.

motivation

It was a constant reminder to the Wolmer's man that there were no boundaries to limit his ambition.

"Hansle Parchment is my idol, he plays a big role in my motivation. After Champs, I took a picture with him and had it on my phone the whole time telling myself that I have to be like him and even better. I am on the right path," Hyde shared.

"I think Jamaican sprint hurdling will continue to take big leaps from here on, seeing that Yanique (Thompson) and I came out here and both set records. It's a major step forward for Jamaica in the sprint hurdles and maybe more athletes will consider the event too," he added, before noting that he is delaying his own celebrations until his close friend and schoolmate Christoffe Bryan competes in the high jump final today.

"I am waiting on 'Shirtman' (Bryan) to finish before the celebrations start. Now I can't wait to go home (straight a mi yard mi wah guh,)" Hyde laughed.

- André Lowe