The 2020 Olympic 110 hurdles gold medallist Hansle Parchment headed the list of five Jamaican sports personalities who were honoured for outstanding services to the country on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21, 2024, inside the National Indoor Sports Centre.

The 34-year-old Parchment was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander for his exceptional achievements in the sport of athletics at the World Championships and Olympic levels.

Thirty individuals were invested into the Rank of Commander this year, including Ambassador Stewart Stephenson for his contribution to the development of football and public service.

The four other recipients at the National Honours and Awards ceremony are Wendell Downswell, Paul Francis, Dr Paul Wright and Fitz-Albert Coleman — all conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer.

The Order of Distinction is Jamaica’s sixth-highest award behind the Order of National Hero, The Order of the Nation (ON), The Order of Excellence (OE), The Order of Merit (OM), and The Order of Jamaica (OJ).

Following the Order of Distinction are the Badge of Honour and Medal of Honour.

Coleman, the veteran hurdles coach of Parchment, was recognised for his contribution to sports in the area of track and field.

Downswell, a former national football player and coach, now Jamaica’s technical director, was recognised for his contribution to the development of national football.

Athletics coach Paul Francis has formed a powerful team with his brother Stephen Francis at the MVP track club and was honoured for his services in the field of sports in the area of track and field.

The affable and outspoken Dr Paul Wright was recognised for his services to the field of medicine of the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine.