KINGSTON, Jamaica – Former national junior and senior 400m hurdles champion Jaheel Hyde has called it a day on his track and field career, hanging up his spikes after a decorated career which saw him winning at all levels.

The 28-year-old Hyde, the two-time World Under-20 400m hurdles champion, Olympic Youth 100m hurdles winner and 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist announced his retirement on his Instagram account on Sunday.

Hyde, who was also a gifted and skillful football player, expressed gratitude in his post saying “When I started doing sports, my goal was to become the best, to reach the top, and to inspire a generation of athletes coming up behind me. I was blessed with the talent to excel in both track and football, but the Lord guided me toward track, and I never looked back. That path led me to experiences I could have only dreamed of—winning countless medals, setting world records as a junior, and competing against the very best in the world.”

Hyde who is the fifth fastest Jamaican man in the men’s 400m hurdles with a best of 48.03 seconds, left a legacy of excellence, winning gold in the 110m hurdles at the World Youth Championships in 2013, he won back-to-back World Under-20 gold medals in the 400m hurdles in 2014 in Eugene, Oregon and 2016 in Poland.

In his post, he said “Now, 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 has shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me discipline, perseverance, and the power of belief. I want to sincerely thank my coaches, past and present, for pushing me beyond my limits and moulding me into the athlete I became. To my family, friends, and fans—your unwavering support fueled me through every high and low.”

“A special thank you to PUMA for believing in me and standing by my side throughout my journey. Your support allowed me to perform at my best, and I’m proud to have represented such an incredible brand,” he added.

– Paul Reid