With a blend of composure and controlled aggression, Orlando Bennett seized his moment and etched his name into Jamaica’s track and field history, as he claimed his first national 110m hurdles title on the final day of the JAAA/Puma National Senior Championships at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Running in a competitive field missing one major figure, Bennett clocked 13.10 seconds, just shy of his personal best of 13.09s, to hold off a fast-finishing Demario Prince (13.12s) and Tyler Mason (13.22s), both of whom also secured qualifying marks for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

The pre-race buzz had been dampened somewhat by the absence of Olympic bronze medallist Rasheed Broadbell, who was granted a medical exemption after withdrawing due to injury concerns. Still, Bennett made sure the final was not lacking drama or quality.

The 24-year-old got a clean start and controlled the early phases well. With Prince from Baylor University gaining ground over the final hurdles, it took every ounce of Bennett’s technique and strength to stay composed through to the line.

Hansle Parchment, the 2020 Olympic champion, also featured but had to settle for sixth in 13.39s, while younger contenders like Jahiem Stern (13.29s) and Jerome Campbell (13.38s) showed the rising depth in the discipline.