Wayne Pinnock presented Jamaica with a special birthday gift on Independence Day 2024, clinching a scintillating silver medal in the men’s long jump final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Competing at the iconic Stade de France on Tuesday night, the 23-year-old Jamaican athlete confirmed his prowess by recording an impressive leap of 8.36 meters. This achievement only trailed the defending Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece, who won gold with a remarkable 8.48 meters. Italy’s Mattia Furlani secured the bronze with a close 8.34 meters.
This silver medal is Jamaica’s second in Olympic long jump history, following James Beckford’s silver at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Pinnock’s success has elevated Jamaica’s medal tally at the Paris Games to four, comprising three in the field events and one on the track.
Pinnock’s Olympic performance was marked by consistency. He began with a jump of 7.84 meters, and his silver-winning leap came on his second attempt.
He followed with jumps of 7.99 meters, 8.05 meters, 8.24 meters, and concluded with 8.12 meters. Jamaica’s other finalist in the event, Carey McLeod, finished in 12th place with a best jump of 7.82 meters.
Forever grateful
Reflecting on his achievement, Pinnock said, “Honestly, I’m just forever grateful, I love my country, first and foremost. I’ll never trade my country for nothing, so big up Jamaica for sure, Jamaica all the way.”
Earlier in the competition, Jamaica continued to shine. Rajindra Campbell opened Jamaica’s medal tally with a bronze in the men’s shot put final on Sunday night. Shanieka Ricketts added a silver in the women’s triple jump, and Kishane Thompson claimed silver in the men’s 100m final on Monday night.
In the women’s 400m semi-finals, two of Jamaica’s three representatives advanced to Thursday’s final. Rushell Clayton showcased her exceptional form by winning the first semi-final in 53.0 seconds. Shiann Salmon set a personal best of 53.13 seconds, finishing third in the semi-final three behind Femke Bol, who clocked 52.57 seconds.
However, veteran Janieve Russell narrowly missed the final, finishing fourth in semi-final two with 54.65 seconds. That semi-final was dominated by American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the world record holder, who finished in 52.13 seconds.
Alfred adds silver to medal tally
The men’s 400m semi-finals saw Javaughn Powell finish fourth in semi-final three with a time of 44.91 seconds, trailing Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith (44.07 seconds) and American Michael Norman (44.26 seconds). Grenada’s Kirani James, who boasts a complete set of Olympic medals, won semi-final two in a season-best 43.78 seconds, followed by Zambia’s Samukonga Muzala, who set a National Record of 43.81 seconds. In semi-final one, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards finished second in 44.33 seconds, behind America’s Quincy Hall, who won in 43.95 seconds.
Adding to the Caribbean’s joy, Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, the newly crowned women’s 100m gold medalist, secured a silver medal in the women’s 200m final. The race was won by American favorite Gabby Thomas, who clocked 21.83 seconds. Alfred followed with 22.08 seconds, and American Brittany Brown claimed the bronze with 22.20 seconds. St. Lucia’s medal tally has now doubled to two.
Pinnock’s silver medal is a proud moment for Jamaica, especially as the nation celebrates its Independence Day. As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games progress, the Caribbean athletes continue to showcase their exceptional talent on the world stage.
