Campbell breaks barriers again as Jamaica’s field stars shine in Zagreb

Rajindra Campbell continues to redefine the limits of Jamaican shot putting.

The Olympic bronze medalist delivered another historic performance on Thursday, breaking the men’s shot put national record for the second time this year with a winning throw of 22.44 meters at the 76th Boris Hanžeković Memorial in Zagreb.

The World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting produced another milestone moment for Campbell, who surpassed his previous national mark of 22.34m set at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Xiamen, China, on May 23.

The latest achievement marked the fourth occasion since July 2023 that Campbell has rewritten Jamaica’s record books.

Campbell rises when the pressure arrives

Campbell appeared in control from the opening round, taking the early lead in the competition.

However, Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri briefly shifted the momentum in the third round by moving ahead with a 22.21m effort.

Instead of responding with frustration, Campbell used the challenge as motivation.

The Jamaican responded in the fifth round with his best competitive throw ever in Zagreb, a mark that returned him to the top position and secured another national record.

“This is my best series ever,” Campbell said.

“I was happy to chase after Fabbri threw 22 metres. This competition is the best, it removed the limitation out of my mind and I just kept throwing, and then the national record came.”

New Zealand’s Tom Walsh finished third with 21.42m.

A new mental approach fuels Campbell’s progress

For Campbell, the record was not only a physical achievement but evidence of a major shift in mindset.

He believes improved confidence and stability have helped unlock another level in his performances.

“I already threw a national record here in 2023,” he said. “One of the best things about Zagreb is when we are throwing, it’s just us, all the attention and energy is here.”

“So this is the best place to showcase your talent and your work.”

Campbell also reflected on his attempt, alongside three other prominent Jamaican field athletes, to change national allegiance to Türkiye.

He explained that the move was driven by a desire for greater financial security and support, allowing him to focus more fully on development.

“I made some switches to my career,” Campbell said.

“I wanted to be in the same position as the Americans, where they have funding and support.”

“Since my mindset is a lot better and I was actually able to get much stronger without thinking about what I would do if something goes wrong. Now I am in a better place mentally and technically, stronger and more disciplined.”

Chasing the ultimate shot put benchmark

Campbell is now aiming beyond national records.

The Jamaican has his sights on the world record of 23.56m, set by American Ryan Crouser in May 2023.

His next opportunity will come at the Eugene Diamond League, where he hopes to continue building toward that elite standard.

While Campbell understands the challenge ahead, his recent form has placed him among the world’s leading throwers.

Jamaican sprint stars ready for Zagreb spotlight

The action in Zagreb continues on Friday with several Jamaican athletes preparing to compete.

Among the biggest attractions will be a women’s 100m showdown featuring Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion Elaine Thompson-Herah and former World Under-20 200m champion Brianna Lyston.

Thompson-Herah arrives after winning her 100m heat at the Jamaica national championships in 11.18 seconds, while Lyston enters with strong European form after clocking 10.99 seconds to win in the Netherlands.

They will face a competitive field including New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs, Poland’s Ewa Swoboda, and Liberia’s Thelma Davies.

National champions continue Jamaica’s strong presence

Fresh from winning national titles, Stacey Ann Williams and Tajay Gayle will also compete in Croatia.

Williams, the new Jamaican women’s 400m champion, will line up against Great Britain’s Yemi Mary John, Egypt’s national record holder Bassant Hemida, and Peru’s Martina Weil.

In the men’s long jump, Gayle faces a quality field featuring Portugal’s Gerson Balde, American Jarrion Lawson, Spain’s Eusebio Caceres, and Serbia’s Luca Boskovic.

Rushell Clayton will also represent Jamaica in the women’s 400m hurdles after missing the national championships.

She faces a challenging lineup led by Slovakia’s Emma Zapletalova, who has won all four Diamond League races this season, along with American Shamier Little and Portugal’s Fatoumata Binta Diallo.

Jamaica’s next generation takes the global stage

Campbell’s record-breaking night underlined Jamaica’s growing influence beyond sprinting.

As the country’s athletes continue competing against the world’s best, Zagreb provided another reminder that Jamaican excellence extends across the track and field arena.

For Campbell, the journey continues, one record, one throw, and one breakthrough at a time.