Jordan Scott stamped his authority on the runway at Jamaica’s National Championships on Sunday, leaping to a wind-aided mark of 17.15m (2.8m/s) to claim his fourth national triple jump crown — and set his sights firmly on making his mark internationally in the absence of former World U20 champion Jaydon Hibbert.

Hibbert, who it was recently reported has decided to switch allegiance to Türkiye, has been Jamaica’s breakout star in the event over the past two years. But with his departure, Scott sees a clear lane ahead.

“Definitely not pressure — opportunity,” said Scott, who turned 28 on Sunday, when asked whether Hibbert’s exit changed his mindset. “It doesn't affect how I'm going to prepare for the championships. I mean, just head down, keep working.”

Sunday’s win was more than just another title. It was a culmination of renewed belief and technical refinement that Scott believes is paying off after years of persistence and adjustment.

“I think for the most part, I’m just a little bit more confident in myself and I have a better understanding of the event,” Scott said. “We started working on a lot of things this offseason and it's paying off. But I still think there’s a good amount of things that we need to fix.”

Now training under the guidance of Aaron Gadson, coach of Olympic gold medallist Thea Lafond Gadson, Scott credits his improved performance to being part of an elite training group that continues to push him beyond limits.

“It’s not every day you get to train with the Olympic gold medallist,” he said. “I think having that group is as good as it can get, and my coach has a great understanding of the event — and it’s showing in our performances.”

Now consistently landing jumps beyond 17 metres, he believes he’s finally coming into his own.

In Sunday’s final, Scott led from the outset. Chavez Penn of Jamaica College was a distant second with a best jump of 16.53m, while Romaine Lewis of Calabar High finished third with 15.54m.

With Hibbert gone and the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo looming, Scott is focused on staying grounded — and prepared.