Jamaican triple jumper Jhavor Bennettt is having the best season of his collegiate career, and it’s no coincidence that it aligns with the mentorship of Coach Clive Pullen, a former Jamaican Olympian in the event.
Now representing Kansas State University, Bennett has steadily elevated his performance in 2025, capped by a lifetime best of 16.21m (+1.6) to win the Big 12 Outdoor Championship on May 17 at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kansas. It’s a breakthrough that puts him firmly in contention for both a berth at the NCAA National Championships and a spot on Jamaica’s national team for the 2024 Olympic cycle.
“Coach Clive always talks about having the right information,” Bennettt told Sportsmax.TV. “In my first two years, I didn’t have that. I ended both seasons with injuries. But now, with this new coaching staff, everything is different. I’ve been healthy, and I’m finally seeing what I’m capable of.”
Since opening his outdoor season at 14.61m, Bennettt has progressed steadily - 15.22m at the KT Woodman Classic on April 11, 15.36m at the Oregon Open on April 19, and then the game-changing 16.21m at Big 12s. And he’s not done yet.
That performance has qualified him for the NCAA West Preliminary, set for May 28–31 at E.B. Cushing Stadium in College Station, Texas, hosted by Texas A&M. A top-12 finish there would send him to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon next month.
“I wasn’t surprised by the 16.21m,” he said. “Coach Clive told me I had 16.50m potential from the start. That jump just made me believe it. Now it’s about staying focused, sharpening the technique, and being mentally locked in.”
Bennett’s progress is rooted not only in technical refinement under Pullen, but also in Kansas State’s revitalised training infrastructure. Once hampered by outdated facilities, the Wildcats now boast a state-of-the-art indoor track and elite weight training centre, a transformation driven in part by Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Travis Geopfert.
“When I first came here, our training facilities weren’t great,” Bennett explained. “Now we’ve got an immaculate indoor track and a world-class weight room. That’s made a massive difference in how I train, recover, and stay healthy.”
The upgraded environment and elite coaching have also allowed Bennett to train alongside some of the best, including World U20 record holder Jaydon Hibbert, raising the competitive bar each session.
“Being around Jaydon sets a high standard. You can’t slack when you’re in that kind of company,” Bennett said. “The atmosphere demands the best of you every day.”
Now in his junior year, Bennett is also pursuing a Biochemistry degree, managing the rigours of high-level sport with academic ambition. “It’s tough, but it’s worth it. My academic advisor encouraged me to stick with it, and I’m glad I did. It gives me options beyond track.”
With his form peaking, and his confidence growing, Bennett is eyeing not only NCAA success but also making an impression at the Jamaican National Trials in June. “That 16.21m wasn’t perfect—I was behind the board, and Coach Clive says there’s still more to come. 16.50m is definitely within reach.”
From injury setbacks and near burnout to NCAA contender, Bennett’s turnaround is as much mental as it is physical.
“I probably would have quit if I didn’t have this support,” he admitted. “But now, I’m in the right place, with the right people, and the results are finally coming. This is just the beginning.”