Jaydon Hibbert one of five nominees for World Athletics Rising Star Award

World Athletics announced five nominees for the 2022 Men’s Rising Star Award on Wednesday to recognize this year’s best U20 athlete. Razorback freshman Jaydon Hibbert was one of the five athletes chosen for the accolade.

The winner will be selected by an international panel of experts and be announced in early December.

“I did not expect this because I’m a new talent,” said 17-year-old Hibbert. “As the title of the award says I see myself as a rising star, because I took two years to reach where I am right now.

“I’m really grateful to see that the world acknowledges me as one of these five people to be nominated for this award. I’m happy and it made my day, honestly.”

Representing Jamaica, Hibbert claimed triple jump gold at the 2022 World U20 Championships this past summer with a meet record performance of 56-8 (17.27) which improved his previous best by two feet. Usually, improvements in the event are measured in inches not feet.

“As a junior it’s a big thing,” noted Hibbert. “Plus, I’m the only Jamaican among the men’s nominees to be considered as a rising star.”