Born: 1995
Biography:
Akela Jones, born on April 22, 1995, is a Barbadian track and field athlete who has made a significant impact in multiple events. She holds impressive Barbadian records in the women’s heptathlon, pentathlon, long jump, and high jump. Throughout her career, Jones has achieved remarkable success and has become an inspiration to many.
Jones first showcased her talent at a young age when she competed in the CARIFTA Games in 2008 at the age of 12. She won a silver medal in the under-17 girls’ high jump, clearing a height of 1.71 meters. The following year, Jones set a world best for her age group by clearing 1.81 meters in Bridgetown, a record that still stands as of July 2015.
Continuing her impressive performances, Jones earned another silver medal in the high jump at the 2009 CARIFTA Games, equalling the championship record of 1.80 meters. However, she narrowly missed out on gold due to a countback decision in favor of Jamaica’s Petergaye Reid. In 2010, Jones secured her first CARIFTA Games gold medal, setting a championship record of 1.85 meters in the high jump. She also won silver as part of the Barbadian team in the 4×100 meters relay.
Jones made history by becoming the first Barbadian athlete to win a high school event at the prestigious Penn Relays in the spring of 2010. She triumphed in the girls’ high jump with a clearance of 1.81 meters, further solidifying her potential and talent.
In 2011, Jones impressed once again by setting a national youth and junior record in the women’s long jump, leaping an impressive 6.18 meters at the Barbadian CARIFTA Trials. She went on to earn two gold medals at the 2011 CARIFTA Games, winning both the high jump (1.75 meters) and the long jump (5.66 meters).
Jones’ talent and hard work earned her a place in the 2011 World Youth Championships in Lille as a long jumper. Although she recorded jumps of 6.10 meters in the qualification round and 6.04 meters in the final, she finished in sixth place. Despite the result, her participation in this global meet showcased her potential on the international stage.
In 2012, Jones continued her successful streak at the CARIFTA Games. Competing as an under-20 athlete for the first time, she secured gold in the long jump (6.18 meters), silver in the high jump (1.80 meters), and bronze in the 4×100 meters relay. At the CAC Junior Championships, Jones dominated both the long jump (6.36 meters) and the high jump (1.81 meters), setting new championship records in the process. Her long jump mark also became a new Barbadian junior record.
After the 2012 season, Jones enrolled in Oklahoma Baptist University, a NAIA college, due to lacking the necessary course credits for NCAA’s Kansas State University. During the 2013 indoor season, Jones set Barbadian indoor records in both the high jump (1.85 meters) and long jump (6.26 meters). She displayed her dominance by winning both events at the 2013 NAIA indoor championships while also securing a second-place finish in another event.
Jones continued to thrive in her collegiate career. In 2015, she became the NCAA champion in the heptathlon, showcasing her versatility and exceptional abilities across multiple events. Additionally, she won bronze in the high jump at the Pan American Games, adding yet another significant accomplishment to her growing list of achievements.
As a prominent figure in women’s track and field, Akela Jones has inspired generations of athletes through her impressive performances and dedication to the sport. She has undoubtedly cemented herself as one of Barbados’ most outstanding athletes, a role model for aspiring athletes, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in sports.
Awards:
– NCAA Heptathlon Champion
– Pan American Games Bronze Medalist (High Jump)
– Gold Medalist at the 2014 World Junior Championships (Long Jump)