Hibbert done for remainder of season
PARIS, FRANCE — After deciding to shut down his season following his participation at the Olympic Games, jumper Jaydon Hibbert will not compete at the World Under-20 Championships this month. The championships, scheduled for August 27-31, will be held in Lima, Peru.
Hibbert, who has been struggling with injuries over the past two months, finished fourth in the men’s triple jump final on Friday. The 19-year-old, competing with a heavily strapped left knee, was forced to withdraw from the competition after deciding to skip his sixth and final attempt due to injury, having fouled on his fourth and fifth tries.
The gold medal was won by Spain’s Jordan Diaz with a leap of 17.86m, followed by Tokyo Olympic Games champion Pedro Pichardo of Portugal at 17.84m, and Andy Diaz of Italy at 17.64m.
“No, I won’t participate in the World Under-20 Championships, and that’s just it,” Hibbert said. “I am not going to compete for the rest of the year but I am geared to compete at the world indoor next.”
Hibbert says Jamaica has many quality junior jumpers who he expects to do well in Lima.
“You might never know who can step up,” he said. “As I said, these guys are jumping, and I am immensely proud of everybody who comes to the trials every year and jumps so yes, we can make it at the championship.”