In Paris, surrounded by thousands of viewers in the stadium, millions watching globally at home and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest athletes in the world, Rajindra Campbell, ‘23, thinks of one thing:
“It’s gonna be a good day.”
And he’s right—Campbell won Jamaica’s first shot put medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a huge feat for both his country and for his alma mater.
Originally from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Rajindra Campbell was recruited to MSSU by Brian Allen, associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the track and field program, who offered him a scholarship on the track team after seeing Campbell compete when he was attending community college in the U.S.
“Coach Allen liked how I competed and offered me a scholarship,” said Campbell. “I really liked the athletics available at MSSU, so that’s how I ended up here.”
Although an Olympian in the sport, track and field wasn’t what Campbell played growing up. A cricket player in childhood, Campbell switched to track and field as a teen when his high school didn’t offer the sport.
“My brother was in track and field first, and by the time I started high school, the cricket team had been dismantled,” Campbell explains. “My next step was to find another sport to channel my energy, and track and field was an option. While it’s a totally different sport, it’s been going well so far.”
While studying for his degree in kinesiology, Campbell improved his skills in track and field, focusing on shot put. In 2019, he devoted the year’s off-season to training. He sustained an injury but had a goal to improve his throw.
“If I could throw 20 meters (65 feet) weighing 220 pounds with the same level of consistency, I can throw farther,” he said. “I gave it a try, and 22 meters (approximately 72 feet) at 300 pounds put me at top five in the world in shot put, qualifying me for the Olympics.”
Campbell and the other athletes had a training camp in Germany preceding the Olympics. Here, they could train, settle their nerves, and get to know one another before moving on to the Olympic Village and meeting other Olympians.
“The energy was palpable and all the stars were there,” said Campbell. “I met other track and field athletes as well as the basketball players, even meeting Giannis Antetokounmpo, or ‘Greek Freak,’ the basketball player from the Milwaukee Bucks.”
The time came for the real competition. Campbell entered the stadium and saw the stands packed with fans from around the world with many, many more watching from home, while he stood alongside the best athletes in the world. With the mentality of “The only person you can defeat is yourself,” Campbell gave it his all, and he won bronze.
“I went out there with that mindset and got a medal,” he said.
His victory made Campbell the first shot-putter from Jamaica to win an Olympic medal.
“It feels amazing,” he said. “With Jamaica being a mainly sprint country, it was a change to see shot put and discus place.”
Coach Allen shares his pride in his athlete.
“It was years of hard work all coming to a head,” he said. “Rajindra has had the Olympic dream for a while and has worked his way into becoming one of the best shot putters in the world.”
Upon his return to Joplin, Campbell is grateful for the support and positivity the community has given him.
“I really appreciate the love and support I’ve received from the community here,” Campbell said. “It’s amazing to see.”
Now, Campbell is training full time at MSSU and competing at both national and international competitions. In September, Campbell placed third for men’s shot put at the Boris Hanžeković Memorial in Croatia. The indoor season in 2025 will lead to more international competitions in Europe, and the World Championship takes place on Sept. 20 in Japan. Campbell is also considering diving back into architecture and construction, a passion of his since high school.
“The Olympics taught me patience and consistency,” Campbell said. “I’ve almost given up a few times because my competitive side often tests my patience, but my coach and my brother stepped in and encouraged me. I’ve learned that once I’m consistent, small progress is good progress. If you don’t believe in yourself, you’re at a loss. Just believe and you can accomplish anything.”
