McLeod says 12.97 is “truly deserving”

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By trackalerts.com 2 Min Read

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Omar McLeod ran a world leading time to win his first Jamaica Senior Championships title on Saturday night.

The former Manchester and Kingston College (KC) student topped the men’s 110-meter hurdles field in a world leading time of 12.97.

McLeod’s time broke USATF Hall of Famer, Renaldo Nehemiah’s NCAA all-dates all-time best record of 13.00 set in 1979. He will now represent Jamaica for the first time at the senior level – the World Championships in Beijing, China this August.

The Bowerman semifinalist qualified for the competition with the top time in the event. Continuing his momentum off of a two NCAA-title winning performance, McLeod opened up the prelims leading the field in 13.24. Getting an explosive start in the finals, the Arkansas standout capitalized on his early lead to take the victory in a new career best time of 12.97.

Olympic Games bronze medallist Hansle Parchment was second in a season best 13.08 and Andrew Riley, third in 13.35.

“I’m just lost for words. Words can’t explain how honored, humbled and blessed I am to break that record. It’s truly deserving,” McLeod said following his record-breaking national title victory. “I’m just focusing on staying grounded, continuing to train hard; keep God first and everything will take care of itself.”

Compiling multiple awards this season, the University of Arkansas student continues to add accolades to his already historic year. McLeod kicked off the season defending his 60-meter hurdle national title in dramatic fashion, running 7.45 to break the NCAA record.

Opening up his outdoor season at the Drake Relays, the Arkansas sophomore dominated the field winning the 110-meter hurdles in an NCAA-leading time of 13.21. Most recently at the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships, he posted a time of 13.01w becoming the all-conditions world leader, claiming the NCAA crown and completing the national hurdles title sweep.

With his performance at the 2015 Jamaican National Championships, McLeod remains undefeated this year in his signature hurdles event.

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