In 2005, in Helsinki, Finland, Trecia Kaye Smith won Jamaica’s first gold medal at a world championship in the women’s triple jump. Seventeen years later, the country bears witness to another historical feat.
Ackelia Smith, a 20-year-old freshman from the University of Texas, was on the verge of making an early exit from Group A qualification after registering modest returns from two of her three attempts. However, on her final attempt and against all odds, Smith produced a lifetime best to leapfrog into the finals.
The achievement brought tears to the eyes of Shanieka Ricketts, Jamaica’s leading triple jumper, who had just provided Smith with encouraging words before exiting the competition having qualified on her first attempt.
An ecstatic Smith could contain her delight. “I’m really happy. I came out here with one goal to get a new PB. I left it late, but I got my PB and made it to the final,” Smith said.
Veteran Kimberly Williams claimed the final non-automatic spot, after her best effort of 14.27m allowed her to squeeze into the top twelve (12) finalists.
This was the first time Jamaica renowned for its prowess on the track was presenting three finalists in the women’s triple jump.
“I am happy for all three of us to be in the finals,” said Williams. “It shows that Jamaica is not only doing well in the sprints, but we are also doing well in the field events,”
Meanwhile, Ricketts, who surprisingly failed to medal at the Tokyo2020 Olympics, is hoping to make amends. “Expect me to bring my A game in the finals.”
By Noel Francis
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.