KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hydel High School’s track and field sensation Zavien Bernard has cemented her legendary status at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships by capturing an unprecedented third gold medal in the girls’ Class 2 high jump event on Saturday’s championship finale.
Bernard’s spectacular performance at Jamaica’s National Stadium culminated in a winning clearance of 1.76 meters, completing a remarkable triple crown achievement that began with Thursday’s long jump victory (5.63m) and continued with Friday’s dramatic triple jump Open title secured in the final round.
The teenage athlete demonstrated exceptional technical mastery in the high jump competition, achieving first-attempt clearances through the first five height increments before successfully conquering the 1.76m barrier on her second attempt. This display of consistency and competitive composure under pressure highlighted her dominance in the field events.
Malia Housen from Mt Alvernia High School claimed the silver medal with a jump of 1.73 meters, while Sackoya Palmer of St Mary High secured bronze with a 1.70-meter clearance, both athletes putting forth valiant efforts against Bernard’s commanding performance.
Bernard’s extraordinary triple gold achievement marks one of the most outstanding individual performances in the recent history of Jamaican high school athletics, signaling the emergence of a potentially world-class talent in the making.