After sweeping NCAA Division 1 indoor and outdoor triple jump titles and achieving collegiate records in both events during freshman year at Arkansas, 19-year-old standout decides to forgo remaining eligibility and turn pro in preparation for Paris Olympics

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Jaydon Hibbert had already decided to pass on competing during the indoor season in order to prepare for the outdoor schedule, especially the Paris Olympics.

The next time the reigning men’s Bowerman Award winner steps on the runway to compete in the triple jump, the 19-year-old former Arkansas standout will be doing so as a PUMA professional athlete.

Hibbert confirmed Friday on his social media that he will be forgoing his remaining eligibility for the Razorbacks after signing a professional contract with PUMA.

Although an injury prevented Hibbert from competing last year in the final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, he swept the NCAA Division 1 indoor and outdoor triple jump titles, producing collegiate all-time marks in both events.

Hibbert achieved a performance of 57-6.50 (17.54m) to win the Division 1 championship in Albuquerque, N.M., helping Arkansas also capture the men’s team crown.

He produced a world-leading mark of 58-7.50 (17.87m) at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships in Baton Rouge, La.

Hibbert triumphed at the Division 1 outdoor final with an effort of 57-7.50 (17.56m) in Austin, Texas.

He also secured the Jamaican national championship in July in Kingston with a performance of 58-0.25 (17.68m), one of nine victories for Hibbert last year, in addition to producing the top qualifying mark of 58-1 (17.70m) in the prelims in Budapest.