What a difference a year makes!

In 2016 Senoj-Jay Givans came into the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association Senior Trials with impressive credentials after running 9.96 seconds at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One championships in Eugene, Oregon.

It ended in tears, however, as he was only fifth in the final at Trials and vowed to call it quits as he saw his dreams go up in smoke.

On Friday, it was a different story as Givans finished third in 10.05 seconds behind Yohan Blake (9.90 seconds) and Julian Forte (10.04 seconds) and punched his ticket to London’s International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships.

After taking a few moments to check on Odeen Skean who fell at about 75 metres and was writhing in pain and disappointment, Givans was off dancing up and down the track and described his emotions as “pure joy”.

The University of Texas senior who was a finalist in the 100m and 200m at the NCAA Championships again this year, told the Jamaica Observer, “The emotions are just elation; last year I was on the verge of quitting, but thanks to family and close friends I am back and want to give God thanks and also thank everyone who stuck with me.”

The 23-year-old former Munro College standout said the disappointment from last year was the fire that kept him going through this season.

“It’s a feeling of pure joy. I did not go to Rio last year although I placed fifth and I kept that chip on my shoulder through this year, was hurt and did not get the chance to train as well as I wanted and this made it all worthwhile.”

— Paul Reid