Rashid Broadbear’s determination paid off in Paris

PARIS, France — Jamaica’s latest star in the men’s 110-meter hurdles, Rasheed Broadbell, expressed deep gratitude and relief after winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 23-year-old hurdler, who turns 24 next Tuesday, ran a season’s best of 13.09 seconds in a thrilling final, just three thousandths of a second slower than American Daniel Roberts, who took silver. Gold went to heavy favorite and three-time world champion Grant Holloway in 12.99 seconds.

Broadbell’s bronze medal made him only the fourth Jamaican ever to win an Olympic medal in the 110m hurdles, an early birthday present for the Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Jamaican national champion. Reflecting on his achievement, Broadbell is filled with gratitude and satisfaction.

“I feel really good and so grateful. I have to thank God – He has been there for me this season,” Brodbell shared, noting the challenges he has faced throughout the year. “It has been a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs, but tonight I finally got the ‘pick-me-up’ I was hoping for. Of course, I would love to be on the top step of the podium, but considering how I’ve been doing this season, I really can’t complain.”

Anxious moments

There were also anxious moments in the final. After the race, Broadbell anxiously watched the big screen monitor, waiting to see if he would make it to the podium. “I just wanted to know if I was going to get a medal,” he admitted. Before warming up, Broadbell felt some discomfort and considered taping it, but ultimately decided to go on without it.

– advertise –

“I prayed before I went out there and asked God to keep me strong, and I believe He did. I felt like I played my best tonight and that put me on the podium – that’s all that matters.”

Despite the achievement, Broadbear remains focused on the future. “This isn’t actually the end of the season for me. I wanted to be on the top step of the podium, so while I’m not disappointed, I do think the result could have been better – especially as my time tonight was nowhere near my personal best,” he said. “I always aim for a personal best whenever I compete, so I wouldn’t say I’ve failed, but there’s definitely more work to do.”

Broadbear’s mindset heading into the final was shaped by his unwavering faith and trust in his team. “My mindset was to pray and trust — trust in God, trust in my coach, trust in my therapist and all the people who were guiding me,” he explained. “I saw my dad before I went out there and he brought me some food and drinks. Coming out here tonight was about fighting — getting through those 10 obstacles at the finish line — and I think I did that.”

Thank you very much for your support

Only the second Jamaican to win a track and field medal at the Paris Olympics, Broadbear was determined not to miss out on the podium. “I told myself I would not return empty-handed, no matter what colour the medal was. Of course, I wanted gold, but getting a medal here was my absolute goal. It feels great to have achieved it,” he said.

Broadbear also expressed his deep gratitude for the support Jamaica has given him, despite being so far from home. “Go Jamaica! Thank you so much for your support – I felt it all the time in Paris. I didn’t check social media as often, but I still felt your love and support. This is a really great moment and I know you’re so proud of me. Even though I didn’t win the gold medal, being on the podium is something Jamaicans are always proud of. So thank you, Jamaica!”

His determination and focus were evident throughout the match, and Broadbell confirmed that his nervous looks were intentional. “Every time I lined up for a match, I reminded myself that I’ve beaten these guys before – this is nothing new. I just have to find the strength in my body to do it again and again,” he said. “I shook off the nerves in the first round, and I didn’t feel like I performed well at all. But I bounced back in the second round, and tonight in the final, I pushed harder and got on the podium.”

Rashid Broadbear’s Olympic bronze medal is a testament to his tenacity, belief and unwavering determination. Jamaica and the world can expect more from this rising star as he continues to chase personal bests and podium finishes.