Paris, France – Rasheed Broadbell, the latest Jamaican sensation in the men’s 110m hurdles, expressed profound gratitude and relief after securing a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 23-year-old hurdler, who turns 24 next Tuesday, clocked a season-best 13.09 seconds in a dramatic final, finishing just three-thousandths of a second behind American Daniel Roberts, who took silver. The gold medal was claimed by the overwhelming favorite, three-time World Champion Grant Holloway, with a time of 12.99 seconds.
Broadbell’s bronze marks him as the fourth Jamaican ever to win a medal in the 110m hurdles at the Olympics, and it serves as an early birthday present for the Commonwealth Games gold medalist and Jamaican National Champion. Reflecting on his achievement, Broadbell could not contain his sense of gratitude and satisfaction.
“I’m feeling really good and incredibly grateful. I have to thank God—He’s been with me through everything this season,” Broadbell shared, noting the challenges he faced throughout the year. “It’s been a rollercoaster, with more downs than ups, but tonight I finally got that ‘up’ I was hoping for. Of course, I wanted to be on the top podium, but given the kind of season I’ve had, I really can’t complain.”
Moments of anxiety
The final was not without its moments of anxiety. After the race, Broadbell anxiously watched the big screen monitor, waiting to see if he had secured a spot on the podium. “I just wanted to know that I had secured a medal,” he admitted. Before the warm-up, Broadbell had felt some discomfort and considered taping it up but decided to push through without it.
“I prayed before coming out, asking God to keep my body strong, and I believe He did just that. I feel like I executed the best I could tonight, and it got me onto the podium—that’s what matters.”
Despite his achievement, Broadbell remains focused on the future. “It’s not really the end of the season for me. I wanted to be on the top podium, so while I’m not disappointed, I do think it could have been better—especially since my time tonight was nowhere near my personal best,” he said. “Whenever I’m in a race, I’m always aiming for a personal best, so I won’t say I came up short, but there’s definitely more work to be done.”
Broadbell’s mentality going into the final was shaped by his deep faith and trust in his team. “My mentality was a lot of praying and trust—trust in God, trust in my coach, trust in my therapist, and everyone who has been guiding me,” he explained. “I saw my dad just before I came out, and he brought me some food and my drink. Tonight was all about coming out here to fight—10 barriers to the finish line—and I think I did just that.”
Deep appreciation for the support
As the second Jamaican to win a track medal at the Paris Games, Broadbell was determined not to leave without a podium finish. “I told myself I wasn’t leaving this championship without a medal, no matter the color. Of course, I wanted the gold, but getting a medal here was my absolute goal. It’s an incredible feeling to have achieved that,” he remarked.
Broadbell also expressed his deep appreciation for the support he received from Jamaica, despite being miles away from home. “Big up, Jamaica! Thank you so much for all the support—I’ve felt it all the way over here in Paris. I haven’t been checking social media much, but I can still feel the love and support. It feels truly great to have this moment, and I know you’re proud of me. Even though I didn’t win the gold, getting on the podium is something Jamaicans are always proud to see. So, thank you, Jamaica!”
His determination and focus were evident throughout the races, and Broadbell confirmed that his intense expression was deliberate. “Whenever I line up for a race, I remind myself that I’ve beaten these guys before—it’s nothing new. It’s just about finding that strength in my body to do it again and again,” he said. “I got out the jitters in the first round, and I felt like I didn’t execute well at all. But I got it together in the second round, and tonight in the final, I pushed even harder and got myself onto the podium.”
Rasheed Broadbell’s journey to Olympic bronze is a testament to his resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. As he continues to chase personal bests and podium finishes, Jamaica and the world can expect even greater performances from this rising star.
