FRESH off his silver medal-winning performance at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China last month, Jamaica’s long jump sensation Wayne Pinnock has his sights fixed on claiming gold at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

In Nanjing, Pinnock leapt to a mark of 8.29m, just one centimetre shy of the gold which was won by Italy’s rising star Mattia Furlani, who won with 8.30m.

Pinnock’s recent achievement in Nanjing marks his third-straight silver medal at a major global meet, following runner-up finishes at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

While some may see a pattern of near misses, Pinnock views it differently.

“I think that event was just a prep for the outdoor season,” the 24-year-old jumper said. “Me and my coach have been working on some stuff and so I just went out there to have some fun. I know that this season is going to be a very special one for me.”

Despite missing out on the top spot Pinnock insisted that the indoor season is a stepping stone toward something much bigger this season. With the 2025 World Championships scheduled for September 13-21, he has his eyes firmly set on that elusive gold.

“The outdoor [season] is really the main focus. I know that I am going to do well,” he said with confidence.

“[My] coach hasn’t even added the hot sauce yet,” he added.

Pinnock, who has been one of the most consistent long jumpers of the past three years, has a personal best of 8.54 outdoor and 8.40m indoor. He noted that he is healthy, motivated, and improving in all the right areas.

“Everything [has] been going good, my body is healthy and everything is going well. I have got better at some stuff from last year until now so I think we should see some very good performances from me this season. It is just great to be blessed and [to] go back and put all the work in,” he said.

As he continues to refine his craft and chase that career-defining moment Pinnock stressed that he is leaning on faith and timing to secure his senior global title.

“Honestly, I think it is all on God’s timing because I know that I have worked hard all my career. When it is going to be that moment for that gold I just think it is going to be a very special moment for me and I know for sure that in my career I am going to win that gold medal,” Pinnock said.

Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock competes in the men’s long jump final during the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, in eastern China’s Jiangsu province, on March 23, 2025. (Photo: AFP)