Relentless passion

While former University of Miami sprinter Lauryn Williams received honorable recognition for winning a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, many other UM athletes went unnoticed, including senior Kim Barrett, who competed for the Jamaican National Team.

Barrett, who is the latest addition to the Hurricanes’ track and field team, joined the Jamaican throwers squad after getting notoriety as a six-time All-American in the SEC with the Florida Gators. She finished No. 28 in the shot put.

“It was just absolutely the biggest rush because you are always told this is the ultimate you are training for and competing for and then one day you are just there,” Barrett said. “I trained really hard for the NCAA competitions and trials and that’s how I got my berth on the Jamaican team.”

While her teammates laugh and joke during practice, Barrett is straight-faced and serious, relentlessly working on the mechanics of her throws. Drenched in sweat, she continually works with her coaches to improve her game and gives it her all every time she steps on the field.

Barrett’s superior work ethic is exactly what coaches at UM are hoping will catch on with the other girls.

“She’s a hard worker who leads by example. She always wants to do more and push herself further. And she has high expectations for herself, which makes her an all around great leader for this team,” said throws coach Reneta Siler.

Barrett is a leader. She leads through example. She gives it her all and brings attitude to practice. Having an Olympian on the squad who knows that practice and determination are what it takes to be the best should help the No. 12 Hurricanes.

Barrett and the Hurricanes return to action Sunday at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville. Barrett was named ACC Indoor Track and Field Performer of the Week on Jan. 24.

Mike Holt can be contacted at m.holt@umiami.edu