Sporting an Indian-Caribbean first name, Rajindra Campbell has stunned Jamaicans at the 2024 Paris Olympics with his shot put throw of 22.15 metres to secure bronze and Jamaica’s first medal ever in the event.

The historic win proves that Jamaica can have a newfound tradition of excellence in shotput, but what was the 27-year-old’s journey to his massive changing of the guards?

Here are a few fun facts about the Jamaican to help you understand better who he is and where he’s coming from.

1. Grew up with a love for cricket

Campbell first developed an affinity for cricket, playing at the primary and junior high level, but he gave up the sport for shot put, which to many Jamaicans right now seemed like the right choice.

However, Campbell believes he would’ve made a good cricketer even today, especially considering his father named him after West Indies leg-spinner Rajindra Dhanraj.

“I batted in the middle order, and let me tell you, no bowler wanted to bowl to me. It was pretty much game over once I got going…” he said in Sportstar Magazine.

2. Ferncourt High alum

The bronze medallist is a proud past student of Ferncourt High School, where he picked up track and field since there was no cricket programme to further sharpen his love for the sport.

3. History with Domino’s Pizza

It was difficult to make ends meet as an up-and-coming athlete, so Campbell had to work countless hours at Domino’s Pizza.

In his early career, Campbell was on his team only to make up the numbers, so there was no real money for the Jamaican to pursue through the sport.

4. Inspired by his brother

Shotput is in the Campbell blood.

It was Rajindra’s brother, Roderick, who took up the event first to lead the way to the Olympian’s podium finish in Paris.

“He was the front-runner. He did the sport first. I just followed in his footsteps as the bigger brother you look up to him. As he learned, he helped me out. When I need someone to talk to, I talk to him,” Campbell told the Jamaica Gleaner.