Field athlete Djimon Gumbs continues to make the British Virgin Islands proud, as he established a new school record on Monday to win the 2024 Southland Conference Indoor Shot Put title.
Competing for his Northwestern State University, Djimon secured 10 crucial points for his school to win the gold, tossing a remarkable distance of 19.35 metres which was also a new personal best.
That distance was .50 metres off from breaking the SLC meet record of 19.85 metres that was set in 1986. To put into perspective how great Djimon’s performance was, the second-place distance registered was 17.64 from McNeese State University’s Marcus Francis. Djimon’s twin brother Diamante Gumbs also competed in the event, placing 5th with a distance of 16.49 metres.
In an interview with 284 Media following the event, Djimon said he was elated to be crowned the SLC champion in the shot put.
Djimon’s 19.35 metres also elevated him to 14th nationwide, qualifying him for the upcoming NCAA Division 1 Indoor Championships in Boston on Friday, March 8.
Gumbs said the achievement has boosted his confidence as he continues to improve at each meet.
Meanwhile, Diamante collected silver in the Men’s Weight Throw, managing a distance of 19.38 metres. That event was won by Louisiana’s Terrell Webb who threw 20.10 metres.
Diamante said he was contented with his performance as it was his second-best throw to date.
Both Djimon and Diamante helped Northwestern State University to a third-place position in the team standings with 104 points.