After achieving All America honors and a seventh place finish at the NCAA Track and Field Championships on June 9, NIU junior jumper Jehvania Whyte continues to add to her impressive resume.

Whyte earned the silver medal in the triple jump at the Jamaican Track and Field National Championships on June 21-24 in Kingston, Jamaica.

“It was great competing at home,” Whyte said. “I expected a top three finish, so I just went out there and did what I had to do. There were a lot of more experienced jumpers, but I knew I could do it.”

Whyte’s 13.10 meter jump earned her a second place finish, finishing behind 26-year-old Shieka Ricketts’, who jumped 14.39 meters. Whyte was the second youngest competitor in the field.

“She had the opportunity to compete in front of her family, peers and former teachers and was able to capture second at the Jamaican National Championships,” said Connie Teaberry, the director of NIU track and field. “We have to wait to see if her finish claims her a spot to represent Jamaica this summer. Regardless, I am a proud coach and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Jehvania. From here it’s looking pretty bright.”

Whyte said she is ending her season here, as she has been battling minor injuries and she wants to take time to rest.

“It was a long season, and I’m just really proud of everything that happened this year,” Whyte said. “I didn’t expect to have this much success in one year. It made me open my eyes to see what I could do when I get strong enough, and do other big things. I can do a lot better, and it’s made me aim higher heading into my senior year. I want to jump higher, jump better, and be there for my country. It was a very, very good season.”