Video: Jah-Nhai Perinchief After Placing Second
Jah-Nhai Perinchief believes he is on track to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer after finishing second in the men’s triple jump at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix at the Flora Duffy Stadium.
Perinchief, competing at his first major meet since the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last summer, recorded a wind-assisted personal best jump of 17.13 metres in his fourth attempt, finishing behind Jamaican Jayden Hibbert, whose 17.33 was also wind aided.
“I was a little nervous in my first jump because it’s an opener, and I didn’t know what to expect,” Perinchief told Bernews.
“When I saw what my team-mate [Hibbert] jumped, I thought, ‘Well, we’ve been doing the same training,’ which motivated me.
“I focused on executing, running and staying relaxed. I didn’t chase the jumps; I let them come to me. I’m better when I’m more relaxed.”
Perinchief, who won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022, said it was a special experience showcasing his talent in front of a packed home crowd.
“It means everything,” he said. “We didn’t have this [the Grand Prix] growing up.
“To be able to compete in front of everybody in the same meet as world champions, world-record holders, Olympians – it’s always a great event.
“Hopefully, we can keep it and grow it. Track and field can be a big thing in Bermuda.”
The 26-year-old, who finished eighth at the competition last year, hopes his hamstring issues are firmly behind him as he steps up his bid to reach Paris.
He said he would readily accept a universality place but is confident he can reach the qualifying standard of 17.22 before the July 1 deadline.
“I’m ready to go out and fight [at Paris],” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll qualify. I mean, I know I’ll qualify. I feel I’m close to it.
“I think I’m one of the few potential wildcards who can post a threat in my field.”
Perinchief also thanked Brian Wellman for the advice the former world indoor triple jump champion has shared with him throughout his career.
“Brian has so much knowledge,” he added. “He has a lot of respect in the track and field outside Bermuda. He’s been a big help, and I’ll keep pushing his name.
“I train at his alma mater [the University of Arkansas] – it feels full circle.”
I believe too. Go for it Jah-Nhai