‘NEW GOALS’
Olympic bronze medallist Broadbell sets fresh targets for 2025
Jamaican sprint hurdler Rasheed Broadbell is wasting no time basking in the glory of his Olympic bronze medal. Instead, he’s focused on the 2025 season, determined to build upon his success and reach new heights.
Broadbell achieved sweet redemption at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, snatching a bronze medal in the 110m hurdles with a season’s best time of 13.09 seconds (-0.1m/s). Broadbell’s impressive performance at the Stade de France came after a disappointing outing at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where he failed to complete the first round despite being favoured to medal.
In a thrilling finale, Broadbell was edged out American Daniel Roberts by the narrowest of margins, with both athletes clocking the same time. The race favourite, Grant Holloway of the United States, took the gold medal, running a blistering 12.99 to claim his first Olympic title.
“Right now, I’m actually feeling great. That [Olympics] moment has passed, and it’s a new year now. I’m looking forward to the new goals I’ve set out for this year. I mean, getting on the podium was a great feeling,” the 24-year-old Broadbell said in a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer.
The 2025 World Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21, is fast approaching. The championships will provide Broadbell with the perfect opportunity to build on his Olympic success and cement his status as one of the world’s top hurdlers.
“I am looking towards the future right now which is 2025. I’m excited to see what the 2025 season holds, and I’m ready to give it my all,” he said.
Broadbell began his athletic journey at a young age. He caught the attention of many around the globe in 2021, running a personal best of 13.10 in the 110m hurdles at the National Stadium in Jamaica. Although he was unable to qualify for the delayed 2020 Olympics due to injury, Broadbell’s breakthrough year marked the beginning of an exciting journey.
In 2022, Broadbell continued to make waves in the athletic world. He finished second at the Jamaican Championships, clocking 13.20 to qualify for the World Championships. Although he didn’t advance beyond the semi-finals in Eugene, Oregon, Broadbell’s experience at the global event proved invaluable.
Later that year, Broadbell struck gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. He won the 110 metres hurdles in a personal best and games record of 13.08, announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Broadbell’s success continued in 2022, as he ran sub-13 seconds for the first time, winning the Lausanne Diamond League in 12.99. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, demonstrating his ability to compete with the world’s best hurdlers.
In 2023, Broadbell won his first Jamaican title, clocking 12.94 to improve his personal best. Although he faced disappointment at the World Championships, being disqualified in the heats after falling over hurdle nine, Broadbell’s resilience and determination remained unwavering.
The following year, Broadbell ran a personal best over 60 metres hurdles, clocking 7.56 in Fayetteville. He went on to win his second consecutive Jamaican title, qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Last year [2024] was an up and down season. I mean, who is close me in the circle knew that it wasn’t an easy journey getting the task done but with God we got it done. Early on in the year I had couple of injures but I am over those now. I am great mind, great condition right now and just working forward for the 2025 season,” Broadbell ended.