Photo: Ryker Hylton (full black) on his way to winning the 400m hurdles at the UTech Classics recently. Hylton ran a personal best of 50.90s.
Former St Jago High school standout, Ryker Hylton reminded track fans that he hasn’t lost his touch in the 400m hurdles, as he raced to a personal best of 50.90 seconds to win section 1 of 2 in the men’s 400m hurdles at the UTech Classics 2015 inside the National Stadium, recently.
In his first hurdles event since 2007, Hylton was quick to point out that he was satisfied with the new personal best, but with certain adjustments, he can get better.
“I was all over the place, trying to find the right rhythm during my race, but I am happy that I was able to win tonight,” he beamed.
Hylton did the event back in high school where he had much success locally and regionally before departing for College aboard where he competed for two years at Essex Community College then at the Louisiana State University, mainly over the flat 400m.
He did very well during his collegiate career, picking up awards such as; 4-time All-American SEC Champion, 2-time All-SEC and winning several medals at the NCCA Championships.
Hylton is a World Championship bronze medalist as a member of Jamaica’s 4×400-meter relay during the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. He made his Olympics debut at the 2012 Olympic Games in London following his senior season at LSU representing Jamaica in the qualifying round of the 4×400-meter relay at the Games.
After he finished college, Hylton move back to Jamaica to join up with the Glens Mills led Racers Track Club. He switched clubs, last year and is now a part of the MVP Track Club. He reported that the decision to try the 400m hurdles this season was a decision between himself and his coach.
“I wanted to retry the 400m hurdles; I did it back in high school, so we decided to try it this season. Right now we are working on getting my technique better and I look to lower my time in the event.”
He made his 2015 track season debut at the Queens/Grace Jackson Invitational in February over 200m.
The 2011 national 400m champion have now decided to give the 40mm hurdles, another try upon consultation with his coach. When asked about a possible permanent switch from the flat 400m and sticking to 400m hurdles going forward, he revealed that the future decisions rest in the hands of his coach and training team.
“The decisions are down to my coach, he decides what I do each time, whether we continue in the 400m or the 400m hurdles. Right now am just comfortable and working hard as the season progresses.”
Former national athlete and Olympian medalist, Danny McFarlane was one of the country’s most successful athletes over the obstacle event copping silver in 2004 at the Olympics. He himself made the switch from the flat 400m to the 400m hurdles and stuck to that event up to the point of his retirement from track and field.
World Youth Champion Jaheel Hyde is also hot young Jamaican talent in the one lap obstacle event this season.
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