NOTHING BUT GOLD!
Hydel’s Daley looks to future after incredible quadruple medal haul at Champs
In a dazzling display of speed, agility, and unbridled determination, Hydel High’s Jody-Ann Daley etched her name in the annals of Jamaican athletics history, capturing an incredible four gold medals at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships last week.
The first-year Class One athlete dominated the track at the National Stadium, securing top honours in the 100m hurdles, 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4×400 relay events. She won the Class One 100m hurdle in 13.40 seconds and the Class One 200m in 23.53.
Her victories helped Hydel to their second hold on the girls’ title. They amassed 277 points to hold off Edwin Allen High (266) and Holmwood Technical (230.5).
Daley’s achievement was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of her team and family.
“I am feeling very proud knowing that I put in the work, trust my coaches, got the support that I wanted from my parents, my coaches, my family, everyone,” Daley said, her voice trembling with emotion.
“I am feeling really good, you know, having four gold medals around my neck, it means a lot to me. This is something very special because it shows the hard work and dedication that I have put in to get these four medals, and I am very proud of myself. I have competed at Champs before and won medals but this is my best championships and I am happy,” Daley told the Jamaica Observer.
Daley’s journey to the top was not without its challenges. The intense training regimen, coupled with the pressure to perform, would have been daunting for even the most seasoned athlete. However, Daley’s trust in her coach and her own unwavering dedication proved to be the winning formula.
“There wasn’t really any struggle on my journey to success, but the training has been a little intense,” Daley explained. “But all I had to do was put in the work and go out there and execute the races to the best of my ability. I knew that if I put in the work, I would be able to achieve my goals.”
Daley also credited her coach for believing in her abilities and pushing her to excel.
“It was not my decision to do four events, but I knew it was possible,” she said.
“My coach knew what he was doing; I trust him, I believe in him. He has been a coach for many years, and I believe in this man. I mean, anything this man tells me to do, I will do it, and I will do it to the best of my ability. He has helped me to develop my skills and to believe in myself, and for that, I am forever grateful,” Daley further said.
Daley’s thoughts turned to her teammates and coaches, who had supported her every step of the way.
“This championship was a very tough one, but I trust in the girls, and we all worked together. We believed in each other, stayed strong, motivated, and it paid off. We pushed each other to be our best, and that’s what made the difference,” Daley said.
And as she looked to the future, Daley promised even greater things.
“Next year, you will see,” she said with a smile, leaving no doubt that this golden girl is only just getting started and is poised to become a household name, inspiring generations of athletes to come.
Hydel’s Jody-Ann Daley displays her four gold medals earned at the just concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Championships at the National Stadium during the school’s devotions on Monday, March 31, 2025. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)
