Hyde hangs up his spikes on birthday

Birthdays are often associated with new chapters, and Olympian and Pan American 400 metres hurdles gold medallist Jaheel Hyde has announced on his birthday that he is retiring as a professional athlete.

Hyde, born February 2, 1997, made the announcement on his instagram page yesterday while reflecting on his journey in sports.

“When I started doing sports, my goal was to become the best, to reach the top, and to inspire a generation of athletes coming up behind me. I was blessed with the talent to excel in both track and football, but the Lord guided me toward track, and I never looked back,” he said. “That path led me to experiences I could have only dreamed of, winning countless medals, setting world records as a junior, and competing against the very best in the world.”

Hyde’s career in athletics produced many medals from a youth to a professional.

At the junior level, he won several medals at the local and regional level, notably at the ISSA-GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships and the Carifta Games. On the world stage, he was just as impactful, winning the World Youth Championships in the 110m hurdles in 2013, reaping gold in the same discipline at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, claiming the 400m hurdles at the World Junior Championships in 2014, and successfully defending his title in 2016.

While his career as a senior athlete was not as fruitful, Hyde still made an impact by claiming the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2023 Pan American Games and reaping bronze and silver at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, respectively.

Hyde represented Jamaica at three Olympic Games, 2016, 2020, and 2024 and three World Athletics Champions in 2017, 2022, and 2023. He placed sixth in the 400m hurdles final at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, United States.

Now at 28, his story takes another turn, and Hyde says there are many things learned from track and field that he will take along.

“Now, as I step away from the sport that has given me so much, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Track and field has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me discipline, perseverance, and the power of belief,” Hyde said.

Though not revealing the path he will now take, Hyde says he hopes his career in track and field would have positively impacted the lives of many.

“Though I’m closing this chapter of my competitive career, my love for the sport will never fade. I hope my journey has inspired young athletes to chase their dreams with everything they have. Thank you, track and field. You have given me more than I could ever ask for,” he said.

Scores of national sports representatives, including past and present national athletes Kemar Mowatt, Rasheed Broadbell, Christopher Taylor, Ristananna Tracey, and Reggae Boy Damion Lowe, expressed how they have been positively impacted by Hyde.

Hyde expressed thanks for all the support he received during his journey.

“I want to sincerely thank my coaches, past and present, for pushing me beyond my limits and moulding me into the athlete I became. To my family, friends, and fans, your unwavering support fuelled me through every high and low.

“A special thank you to Puma for believing in me and standing by my side throughout my journey. I’m proud to have represented such an incredible brand,” Hyde said.