Bowerman Awards list five Jamaicans, proud moment for nation

Five nationals of Jamaica made it into the prestigious list of Bowerman awards. It is to be noted the list was announced on Tuesday and Wednesday. Jaydon Hibbert, a student of the University of Arkansas and the winner of 2023, has also been included in the list.

Notably, the Bowerman Award is the prestigious ceremony that awards the best male and female track and field athletes. This ceremony first started in 2009, and since then, it has been conducted every year in the US college circuit.

Moreover, the names which are being included in the list are:

Jamaicans who were named in the men’s list

• Jaydon Hibbert, triple jumper
• Romaine Beckford, high jumper
• Wayne Pinnock, World Athletic Championships long jump silver medallist

Jamaicans who made it to the women’s list

• Ackelia Smith of the University of Texas, long jumper
• Lamara Distin of the Texas A&M University, high jumper

It is to be noted that Jaydon Hibbert was the first ever national of Jamaica to win the Bowerman Award. He was awarded at the US Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Convention in Denver, Colorado.

In 2023, Hibbert proved to be dominant during the entire season. He has also won the NCAA Division One double as well as the double in the Southeast Conference.

Along with that, Hibbert also has the two World under-20 records, indoors and outdoors, registered under him. He is the youngest recipient of the Bowerman Award.

Moreover, the award ceremony will be held in December at the annual US Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association.

Considerably, Jaydon Hibbert, Romaine Beckford, Wayne Pinnock and Lamara Distin were the winners of their respective events in the JAAA National Senior Championships 2023.

Furthermore, Wayne Pinnock, Ackelia Smith, Lamara Distin and Jaydon Hibbert represented the island nation at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The residents of Jamaica have extended congratulations and best wishes to all the Jamaicans named in the Bowerman list and are hoping for the victory of the most deserving candidate.