Jamaican Star Shatters American Long Jumper’s Golden Dreams on Home Soil at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

It’s just a matter of five months until the athletes vie for the most coveted Olympic titles. But before that, they check their pace at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Usually occurring annually around late Jan or early Feb, the 4th of February is the chosen one for this year. Out of all the US athletes girded up strong this year, there’s a Jamaican who looked straight into their eyes.

2023 has been a year of the century where the US athletes have been nothing but blazing. With stars like Noah Lyles and Gabby Thomas waiting to steal the spotlight at this event, the Jamaican rising star of 25 years has made headlines already.

Carey McLeod snatches the long jump top spot at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

Carey McLeod, the Jamaican sprinter competing in the long jump and triple jump, swept the long jump title. On his first attempt, he clocked 8.20m to stand as the second-best in the Jamaican roster. His training partner and fellow Jamaican Wayne Pinnock, who stands atop his home star, trails behind him with 8.34s. In the NCAA indoor history, he was one of the top-10 triple-jumping collegians. The NCAA indoor field event athlete of 2020 had McLeod as one of the nominees, which was enough of a push in his track career.

In 2023, at the World Athletics Championships, he missed the podium by just a fraction. Finishing fourth in the long jump event, McLeod’s slip and air flip had left global fans worried, but he emerged as an epitome of determination, therefore completing his race. After his moment in Budapest, his air flip came to be known as the ‘Superman long jump‘. 

READ MORE: New Balance Indoor Grand Prix: Live Updates, Noah Lyles Race Results and More

Walking home with a sore ankle that evening didn’t dim the triple-jumper’s spirit. He girded up for a better year after having swept prominent NCAA long jump titles in 2023. 2021 has been particularly stellar for him because of his personal bests of 8.34m in the long jump and 16.40m in the triple jump. Heading to the Paris Olympics 2024, McLeod has upped our hopes clearly.

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