PLAY IT AGAIN!
Jamaica’s Parchment looks to recapture sprint-hurdling magic in Tokyo
Jamaican hurdler Hansle Parchment is gearing up for a busy 2025 season, with his sights firmly fixed on the World Athletics Championships in Japan. The Tokyo Olympic Games gold medalist in the 110m hurdles is eager to make a strong impact on the global stage and bring pride to his country.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships are set to electrify Tokyo, Japan, from September 13-21, 2025. This highly anticipated event, the 20th edition of the championships, will bring together the world’s top athletes, all vying for glory at the iconic National Stadium.
Parchment will be seeking to replicate his triumphant performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, where he claimed the gold medal with a time of 13.04 seconds. With the World Athletics Championships set to take place in the same country, Parchment will be aiming to recapture the magic and bring home another prestigious title.
“I’m preparing myself right now, and the aim is the World Athletics Championships which is in Japan, and so I am definitely looking forward to that, trying to make sure I put my best foot forward,” emphasised Parchment, who has two silver World Championships medals — 2015 in Beijing and 2023 in Budapest.
“I want to make myself and the country proud. We have a good crop of hurdlers who have been [doing] well over the years, and I believe that once everybody’s healthy, we can definitely take charge again,” the 34-year-old Parchment said.
Parchment, who has a personal best of 12.93 in the 110m hurdle, achieved in Eugene in 2023, is confident that Jamaica can dominate the 110m hurdles event, with a top-three finish a realistic goal.
“This time I am hoping for three Jamaica medals at the World Athletics Championships. I have always said that, and I want to be a part of that, so I am definitely going to give my best. I’ve always said that we can finish 1-2-3. We have a great depth of talent, and if everyone is healthy and puts in the work, we can challenge for the top spots,” he affirmed.
The Jamaican team’s chances of success will be bolstered by Parchment’s own impressive form. He knows what it takes to perform under pressure and is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the world’s best.
“I’m feeling good for the most part. When it comes to athletics, it’s always a challenge to maintain good health, as anything can happen at any time. But I’m working hard to maintain good health and stay focused on my goals,” Parchment said.
Parchment’s season is set to get underway by the end of March, with the Velocity Fest and Grand Slam events on his radar. The Velocity Fest #16 meet is set for March 22 at the National Stadium, while the Grand Slam is set for April 4-6 at the same venue. Notably, Parchment will be competing in the 100m flat event at the Grand Slam, a distance he has never attempted before.
“I should start my season at the Velocity Fest and I should also compete at the Grand Slam. I’m not promising anything, as it’s still early season,” Parchment cautioned.
“But I am supposed to run a 100m race at the Grand Slam. I have never run that distance before, but I’m looking to enjoy myself and use it as a stepping stone to move forward with the season. The aim is the World Athletics Championships, and I’m looking forward to that,” explained Parchment, who had made it to the finals of the 110m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics but finished eighth of eight.

Hansle Parchment shows his gold medal during 110m hurdles medal ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, in 2021.