KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—Jamaican 400m hurdler Jaheel Hyde, the reigning Pan American Games champion, has announced his retirement from track and field at the age of 28.
The decision marks the end of a storied career for the former World U18 and U20 champion, who shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Sunday.
Reflecting on his journey, Hyde expressed deep gratitude for the sport that defined his life and legacy.
“When I started in sports, my goal was to be the best, to reach the pinnacle, and to inspire the next generation of athletes,” he wrote. “I was blessed with the talent to excel in track and football, but the Lord guided me toward track, and I never looked back. That path gave me experiences beyond my wildest dreams, winning medals, setting world records as a junior, and competing against the best in the world.”
Hyde first made waves in 2013, clinching gold in the 110m hurdles at the World Youth Championships. He solidified his status as one of Jamaica’s most promising talents by securing back-to-back World U20 titles in the 400m hurdles in 2014 and 2016.
His personal best of 48.03 seconds remains one of the fastest times ever recorded by a Jamaican in the event.
Despite his early success, Hyde faced challenges on the senior international stage. He fell short of reaching the finals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2021 Tokyo Games, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In recent years, his dominance was eclipsed by emerging stars Roshawn Clarke and Malik James-King, signaling a shift in Jamaica’s 400m hurdles hierarchy.
Nevertheless, Hyde retires with an impressive list of accomplishments, including a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.
In his farewell message, Hyde paid tribute to those who supported him throughout his career.
“As I step away from the sport that has given me so much, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Track and field shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me discipline, perseverance, and the power of belief. I want to thank my coaches, past and present, for pushing me beyond my limits and helping me become the athlete I was. To my family, friends, and fans, your unwavering support carried me through every high and low.”
and then 