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Wayne Pinnock gave Jamaica a special birthday present on Independence Day 2024 by winning a dazzling silver medal in the men’s long jump final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 23-year-old Jamaican proved his mettle on Tuesday night at the Stade de France with a stellar 8.36m. That was second only to reigning Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou of Greece, who won gold with a stellar 8.48m. Italy’s Mattia Forlani took bronze with a mark of 8.34m.
The silver medal is Jamaica’s second in the history of the Olympic long jump, the first being James Beckford’s silver medal in Atlanta 1996. Pinnock’s success brings Jamaica’s total medals in the Paris Olympics to four, three in field events and one in track and field.
Pinnock’s performances at the Olympics were very consistent. His initial high jump was 7.84 meters, and his silver medal came on his second attempt.
He then jumped 7.99m, 8.05m, 8.24m and finally 8.12m. Kerry McLeod, another Jamaican finalist, finished 12th with a best of 7.82m.
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Always Be Grateful
Reflecting on his achievements, Pinnock said: “To be honest, I’m forever grateful and I love my country first. I would never sacrifice my country for nothing, so always cheer for Jamaica, always cheer for Jamaica.”
In the earlier events, Jamaica continued to shine. Rajendra Campbell won bronze in the men’s shot put final on Sunday night to open the medal table for Jamaica. Shanika Ricketts won silver in the women’s triple jump and Kishane Thompson won silver in the men’s 100m final on Monday night.
In the women’s 400m semi-finals, two of Jamaica’s three representatives advanced to Thursday’s finals. Rachel Clayton showed her excellent form by winning the first semi-final in 53.0 seconds. Sian Salmon set a personal best of 53.13 seconds to place third in the semi-finals, behind Femke Boll, who ran 52.57 seconds.
However, veteran Jennifer Russell finished fourth in the second semifinal with a time of 54.65 seconds and missed the final. World record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Leveron of the United States dominated the semifinals with a time of 52.13 seconds.
Alfred adds silver to medal tally
In the men’s 400m semifinals, Javagn Powell finished fourth in the third semifinal in 44.91 seconds, behind Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain (44.07 seconds) and Michael Norman of the United States (44.26 seconds). Grenada’s Kirani James, who has a full set of Olympic medals, won the second semifinal in a season’s best of 43.78 seconds, while Zambia’s Samukonga Muzala finished second in a national record of 43.81 seconds. In the first semifinal, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jeremy Richards finished second in 44.33 seconds, behind Quincy Hall of the United States, who won in 43.95 seconds.
Adding to the Caribbean’s delight, Saint Lucian Alfred, fresh off her gold medal in the women’s 100m, won silver in the women’s 200m final. American favorite Gabby Thomas won in 21.83 seconds. Alfred followed in 22.08 seconds, with American Brittany Brown taking bronze in 22.20 seconds. Saint Lucia’s medal total has now doubled to two.
Pinnock’s silver medal win was a proud moment for Jamaica, especially as the country celebrates its Independence Day. With the 2024 Paris Olympics underway, Caribbean athletes continue to showcase their extraordinary talents on the world stage.
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