A city boy by birth Jowayne Hibbert is a 1500, 800 and 4 x 4m scholarship athlete at the UWI. Hailing from the parish of Kingston Jowayne is past student of the Kingston College where he began his track and field career only in  4th form specializing in 400 and 800m races. Nonetheless Jowayne gave these events all he had which seemed to be alot since from the get go he was a vital part of his team representing his school at VMBS Boys and Girls Championships, Penn Relays, and other track meets. 

Jowayne has always lived by the philosophy, “I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me,” hence being awarded a full scholarship to the premier University of the West Indies came as no surprise. Acknowledging his reality of not coming from a rich family Jowayne is thankful for the fact that his parents do not have to worry about his tuition or boarding during his tenure at the UWI. Therefore he knows that it is pertinent for him to maintain and consistently improve his track and field skill while maintaining a good grade point average (GPA) since these are his only guarantee of keeping this full scholarship. 

To date Jowayne recalls receiving a number of awards, plaques and medals but one of his greatest accomplishment thus far occured last year while he was an upper sixth form student at Kingston College. During this period Jowayne represented Jamaica at the the Central American Caribbean Championships and he states that “the moment was spectacular as it felt real good running in my country’s colours since Jamaica is known for its world reknown track and field stars.” Another one of Jowayne’s fondest accomplishment came from his 3rd  place finish  in the 800m at VMBS Boys and Girls Championships while in sixth form. That particular placement meant alot  to him as he did not attend Champs that year to medal but rather for the experience and exposure. Surprisingly Champs was no match for his unbounding talent since his limited exposure was shattered when he was ranked in the top three athletes for his event, the 800m. These accomplishments he holds dear to his heart as they were integral in laying the foundation for the type of person that he has evolved into -  one who is determined despite the obstacles and trials. 

Running a time of 152secs in the 800m and 4mins flat in the 1500m Jowayne acknowledges the work of his coach James Taylor who constantly encourages him to go out and do his best despite the odds. So armed with a physical mentor and the psychological support of his coach Jowayne takes on new challenges with a positive mindset. A mindset similar to his role model  who he claims has a humble, determined and fearless spirit. Additionally the season has been an extraordinary one for Jowayne as he ran two personal records (PR) in one season which is indicative of the hard work, intense training and determination that he has placed into his track and field career. 

Jowayne has reaped the benefits of his labor throughout the season and as such this winning, record breaking, and determined spirit flew with him to the UWI games 2011 held in Barbados just 3 weeks aback. Jowayne represented UWI MONA exceptionally well as he came in 1st  in both of  his events the 800 and 1500m races. Jowayne was also an asset in the 4 x 4 relay team as they also were victorious in their race. 

A realist by nature, determined, funloving and a dedicated first year student of the UWI, doing a major in Economy with hopes of becoming an economist, Jowayne encourages athletically inclined students at the University to make goood use of their talents because apart from the perks of an athlete such as the opportunity to travel alot there are many opportunities to do extremely well at the sport and there is no better place to excel than at the UWI since the University provides the resources to expand and develop talents.  Furthermore “it makes you more marketable because employers are not only looking for book wise persons they want persons who are all rounders and beside track and field keeps you fit which in the end will make you live longer.”

 On a more serious note, however, he states that managing school and athletics is not something that the University can entirely help with hence Jowayne declares that he has stuck to his high school schedule to assist him in time management where “after training I sleep for two hours then wake up and study for three hours afterwhich i go back to sleep because it is important to get rest while placing your body under tremendous pressure but at the same time you can not afford to mess up your school work.” 

With a passion for both Economy and track field Jowayne wants his future to revolve around both, hence Jowayne does not only want to represent his University in track and field but he also wants to represent his country Jamaica. As such he has ensured that his overall time for the season was above par as one of his goals for the year was making the time for the national tryouts to be held this month June 23 – 26 which filters athletes base on their qualifying time to represent Jamaica in the World Championship later this year. Hence Jowayne states that  “training has step up a notch in preparation for the try outs since its less than two weeks to the actual event so he is going out there with the mindset to win and make another personal record once I do that am sure I will make the team.” 

Jowayne, knowing head on that Jamaicans love fast races since “we are affectionately called the sprint factory of the world,” hopes that Jamaicans will change this mindset soon and not only support these fast races but also support other long distance events. So when asked what’s in a long distance race to watch Jowayne said this “personally distance races are better cause why would you pay your money to go and watch a race for 9 secs and if a friend should touch you in the middle of the race by the time you turn around the race is finished, while in a distance race you can actually see all the different skills and techniques.” So in essence it gives you more for your money. You’ve just met Jowayne Hibbert a well accomplished and goal driven young athlete who has and continues to charter an unprecedented path  to success.