RJRGLEANER Sportsman & Sportswoman of the Year nominees

In her first major global championship season, 22-year-old high jumper Lamara Distin announced herself with strong performances at both the collegiate and international levels with a breakthrough campaign.

The Hydel High alum claimed the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor titles for Texas A&M University, as well as claiming the national record on April 30 with a height of 1.97m. After placing second in the National Championships in June, Distin, in her first World Championship appearance, made the high jump final along with Kimberly Williamson, the first time that two Jamaicans competed in the final. Distin would finish ninth overall.

But in August she would claim her first major title at the Commonwealth Games winning with a height of 1.95m. Distin was named this year as a pre-season candidate for the Bowerman Award, presented to the top male and female student-athlete in the United States.