By Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis, Special to TrackAlerts.Com

Many persons often wonder what the secret formula behind Jaheel Hyde’s success on the track is. He answers that question emphatically by demonstrating over time that the difference between himself and his competitors when faced with defining moments is his mental fortitude. He possesses nerves of steel and exudes a calm composure in races when others around him are wilting under the pressure of doing well.

He is without doubt one of the most exciting junior talents to come out of Jamaica since the great Usain Bolt. His meteoric rise on the international stage started in 2013 when he won gold in the 110m hurdles at the 8th IAAF World Youth Championships. The following year, over a 30-day period between July and August, the Wolmerian went on to claim gold medals at the World Junior Games in the 400m hurdles in the United States and in the 110m hurdles at the 2nd Youth Olympics in China.

The Wolmerian’s road map to success has been one of disappointment, perseverance and triumph. Hyde started his ‘Champs’ career as a quarter-miler in 2010, failing to advance beyond the semi-finals. The following year, his second in Class 3, he switched to the 100m hurdles where he won the silver medal.

In 2012, success eluded him again and he had to wait until ‘Champs 2013’ to visit the podium when he was a double silver medallist in the 400m and 110m hurdles in his second year in Class 2. In 2014, Hyde brimming with confidence from his World Youth crown in the 110m hurdles became king of his craft at ‘Champs’ by capturing gold medals in the Class 1 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles open.

Recently, I had a very interesting interview with Jaheel Hyde about how his life, track career and his plans for 2015 and the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Question: What is your favourite meal?

Answer: “Stew Peas” and then he quickly added “without pork”.

Question: What is your inspirational motto?

Answer: “Anything is possible, I don’t think limits.” He disclosed this was a motivational speech driven into his psyche by his athletic hero Usain Bolt.

Question: Who is your favourite high school athlete and why?

Answer: “My favourite high school athlete is Jhevaughn Matherson of Kingston College. I admire his fluid sprinting motion and competitive spirit of never backing down from any challenge.”

Question: Did you expect to achieve so much (World Titles) in athletics in such a short time?

Answer: “Definitely, I put in the hard work and made the sacrifices.”

Question: What are your athletic ambitions for the next two years?

Answer: “I hope to make Jamaica’s 2015 World Championships team and win gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2016 Olympics”.

Question: “I get the feeling this is your final year competing at ‘Champs’. Is it?”

Answer: “Yes it is”.

Hyde likes to watch his favourite TV show Revenge and play FIFA during his spare time. He lists 1983 400m World Champion Bert Cameron as his mentor.

Many persons are heartened that Hyde’s incredible track and field talent has attracted a few business interests in recent times, which augurs well for other athletes following his example. Jaheel Hyde won the 2014 North America Central America Caribbean (NACAC) award for the Best Junior Athlete of the Year. He also won the Howard Aris Award for The Most Promising Male Athlete in 2014.

After conquering Jamaica, CARIFTA and the World at the junior level, Hyde will be hoping that his transition to the senior ranks is a seamless undertaking. His intention of having a successful career at the highest level is already in motion and as fans; we believe with Hyde that anything is possible. Best wishes to Jaheel Hyde as he continues to ascend to greatness.   

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