LaQuan Nairn’s appearance at the 2022 World Athletic Championships is his first on a global stage in nearly seven years. The journey for Nairn is incredible considering he played basketball and did not start track until 2012 under the influence of coach James Rolle.  In less than a year, Nairn won a gold in the high jump and silver in the long jump at the 2013 CARIFTA games and 5^th at the World Championships.

Nairn realized the great potential he had by making The Bahamas national team in 2013 and it was a special time performing in front of family and friends. Nairn continued to make the national team for the CARIFTA games thereafter.

Transitioning to college was tough for Nairn who tore his knee ligaments during warm ups at his first meet while attending South Plains Junior College. After transferring to Arkansas, Nairn found his passion as a writer, majoring in Communications while working hard to become the best athlete he could be.

Disappointed not to hit the standard for the World Indoor Championships, Nairn worked hard and reached the standard and competed on July 15 at the World Athletic Championships in Eugene, Oregon. While his jump of 7.80 into a head wind was not enough to advance, Nairn was proud of his effort and is determined to become the first Bahamian to win a world long jump medal.

His advice to up-and-coming youngsters in the sport is to be a great listener, and apply what you learn; focus on what you need to do as an athlete and never be a follower, unless the person you are following is a leader.