Daniel Clarke in a promotional image accompanying the announcement of his enrolment with Texas Tech.
Jamaican sprint hurdles prodigy Daniel Clarke has
matriculated to Texas Tech University and has foregone his final year at Kingston College.The 18-year-old Clarke announced himself to the world on March 2 when he stopped the clock in a personal best 13.06 (1.2 m/s) at the Jamaican Carifta Games Trial. His time is still atop the Under-20 world ranking more than two months later.
Clarke, who has been integral in KC’s dominance of the Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, which they have won four consecutive years, told Observer Online that Texas Tech feels like the right place to grow both as an athlete and a student.
“I chose Texas Tech because of its strong academic and athletic reputation, top-tier facilities, and a competitive NCAA Division I hurdles programme,” Clarke pointed out.
Texas Tech, which has a student population of approximately 40,000, is currently one of the top-ranked athletics universities in the United States.
“What stood out most was the coaching staff, especially the hurdles coach, who reminds me of my KC coach in both discipline and genuine support,” he added.
Clarke will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree. That’s the study of human movement and its relationship to health, wellness, and performance.
“My time at Kingston College has been a journey that nurtured me into the young man that I am today,” said Clarke.
Clarke was just happy he played his part in enabling KC to fulfil their dreams, especially in the institution’s 100th-year celebration.
“Being a part of Kingston College’s winning team is a great feeling knowing the hard work and dedication we had to put in order to lift that trophy at Champs,” he noted.
Clarke, who was second at ‘Champs’ and Carifta Games to his close friend Shaquane Gordon of Calabar, has high hopes for the rest of the season, where he will take on the big boys at the National Senior Championship.
“As I always say, you can expect great things,” said a confident Clarke.
“I will always try to push myself beyond my limits. I have been attempting to clear the higher height, so at this point in time, I’m just trying my best to be prepared for the senior trials,” he added.