Sport & Entertainment
JAM | Feb 3, 2025

Olympian Jaheel Hyde retires from athletics career at 28

Howard Walker

Howard Walker / Our Today

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Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Athletics – Men’s 400m Hurdles – Round 1 – OLS – Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan – July 30, 2021. Jaheel Hyde of Jamaica in action (Photo: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File)

One of Jamaica’s most talented athletes Jaheel Hyde has surprisingly called it quits on his career at the tender age of 28.

Hyde who excelled at both athletics and football, made the announcement on his birthday on Sunday (February 2).

“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,” said Hyde on his Instagram post which was liked by 2400 person.

Jaheel Hyde (back left) represented Jamaica at the Under-17 level in football.

“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,” he noted.

“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.

He continued: “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.”

Jaheel Hyde (left) with his father Lenworth Hyde Snr

The son of one of Jamaica’s best footballers Lenworth Hyde, and from a family that produced Lenny Hyde Jnr who represented Jamaica at the Under-23 level in football. Jamie Hyde who captain Kingston College and played his country at the Youth level and Julian Hyde who represented Jamaica at equestrian.

Hyde announced himself to the world in 2013 winning gold in the 110m hurdles at repeat at the World Youth Olympics in 2014.  He showed his versatility by winning the 400m hurdles at the Under-20 World Championships in 2014 and 2016.

During that time, he was leading the line for Wolmer’s Boys in football and represented Jamaica at the Under-17 level.

He would go on to represent Jamaica at the highest level of the Olympic Games (2016, 2021, 2024) and the senior World Championship (2017, 2022, 2023) in the 400m hurdles.

Hyde also won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and struck gold at the Pan Am Games in 2023.

The Instagram post showed a collage of his running days with a voiceover apparently done by his daughter saying, “Daddy Running Day”.

In 2022, Jaheel Hyde wed his long-time girlfriend Gabrielle Waugh on August 27 in St Ann.

Jaheel Hyde and his daughter

The couple have a five-year-old daughter together.

Whether he will turn to football at age 28, Jamaica will be without one of the most talented junior athletes of all time.

“A special thank you to PUMA for believing in me and standing by my side throughout my journey. Your support allowed me to perform at my best, and I’m proud to have represented such an incredible brand,” said Hyde of his apparel sponsor.

“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,” Hyde concluded.

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