My 2017 track and field season has been bitter-sweet, as I was faced with several minor injuries. I first made the qualifying standard for PanAmerican U20 Athletics Championships at the Freeport, Grand Bahama Island Sports Meet when I leaped the distance of 7.68 meters. From that very moment, I realized that my season was going to very successful. I then went on to further my leap of 7.71 meters at the Bahamas High School Nationals setting a new Junior National Record becoming one of the best Junior jumpers in the world. Later on, I set a season goal to leap 8.10 meters or better but unfortunately I have not reached that as yet, with hard work and dedication I was able to be ranked as the number one jumper in the Caribbean heading into the 2017 Carifta Games but respectfully earned a silver medal. I also ranked number one heading into the 2017 Penn Relays but did not compete this year.

I feel great about making the PanAm U20 this year and have no doubt that I will do excellent in both the long jump and 200m. This is my last junior meet competing for my country. I love doing this so I will put my whole heart into this. Every time I put my country name across my chest it reminds me of all the sacrifices I’ve made, from waking up 4:30am every morning to moving away from my family for years is beyond a sacrifice. I thank God for showing a way and blessing me with the ability to run and run with the opportunity of making millions.

Huge shout out to my family who encourages me daily, especially my mother and to my coach, who’s like a father to me, always pushing me beyond my limits by training three, sometimes four times per day. After the Carifta Games and National Trials, I was prepared for anything, those meets prepared me both mentally and physically helping me to know what needs to be improved and what to expect heading into other meets.

It’s almost the beginning of my season and I am ending with a personal best in the long jump of 7.93 meters. This is great for a high school jumper but, I am ready to improve that my breaking the 8.0 meters barrier. I want to respectfully extend best wishes to all of my teammates on the PanAm U20 team, letting them know that ALL things are possible once we continue to put God first no, matter the circumstances.