Running With Integrity: Jaylen Bennett Balances Records, Roots and Princeton Ambitions

Before stepping onto Princeton’s campus this fall, freshman sprinter Jaylen Bennett had already carved out an impressive legacy. A standout student athlete at Phillips Exeter Academy, he qualified for the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, where he proudly represented St. Kitts & Nevis in the 400 meters.

The Howard County native left Exeter holding multiple school and New England records, along with All-American honors in both the 200 and 400 meters as well as the mixed 4X400 meter relay.

For Bennett, though, running is more than times on the clock.

He’s following a path forged by his family. In addition to an older brother and older sister who excelled academically and athletically in college, his father, Marvin, was a St. Kitts & Nevis national team runner and his mother, Coretta, was also a Division I college sprinter.

Grounded by faith, family, and a relentless drive to improve, Jaylen now turns the page to his Princeton career. We talked about his path so far, what he’s learned and what lies ahead.

You represented St. Kitts & Nevis in the 400 meters at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru—what was that experience like for you?

It was unforgettable. Walking into the stadium in the St. Kitts & Nevis uniform and carrying my country’s flag gave me a renewed sense of pride I’d never felt before. The atmosphere was eye-opening, and even though I was full with emotion, it confirmed that I belong at a meet of that caliber.

What did it feel like to qualify for Worlds, and how did it compare to representing your school team?

Qualifying for World U20s was a huge accomplishment—something I’d had on my radar for a while—and I managed to do it in my last outdoor meet of the season, which made it even more special. Representing my country was definitely a significant difference from high school meets because of the global stage, but whether it’s my school or my nation, running for something bigger than myself fills me with pride and pushes me to give my best.

At the U20 Championships, you ran 47.88 in your heat. What did you learn from competing at that level?

Running 47.88—close to my PR—was something I was proud of. I learned how crucial it is to know the qualifying rules and race with placement in mind, not just time. At that level, everyone is talented, and the difference between good and great comes down to tiny margins: execution, poise and sticking to your race plan when it matters. That grows with experience.

You’ve turned in school-record times—like 47.72 in the 400 meters at the Pepsi Florida Relays. What drives you to keep breaking your own marks?

I’m grateful to keep improving, but I don’t obsess over records. My drive comes from sharpening the basics—training, recovery, sleep, nutrition, and daily habits. I’m my biggest competitor. If I take care of those things consistently, the times and records follow.

Running against an Olympian like Quincy Wilson—how did that influence your race and mindset?

Racing Quincy Wilson at the Pepsi Florida Relays was awesome—hailing from Maryland like me, he’s an incredible athlete. Still, I approached it like any other race: run my race and execute my plan. It was early in the season, and I’m proud of how I competed and carried myself.

At Nike Outdoor Nationals, you earned All-American honors in both the 200 meters and 400 meters. Which performance stands out most, and why?

Both meant a lot, but the 400 meters stands out. It was my season’s PR, and I ran it in tough conditions—cold and heavy rain. Training in New Hampshire taught me how to handle weather, and executing my plan to a PR in those conditions made me really proud.

Setting a school record in the Championship 400 meters (47.32) at Nike Outdoor Nationals—what was going through your mind at the finish?

Relief and joy. It felt like my hard work and discipline had paid off and it confirmed my peaking was well timed. I kept checking the Jumbotron for the time and overall standings. Seeing it was a PR—and that I’d secured All-American honors—made the moment even more special.

You also finished sixth in the 200 meters (21.31) at Nike Outdoor Nationals—how do you balance training for both events?

I view the 400 meters as the foundation. Building strength, speed endurance, and execution there directly helps my 200, and the pure speed work for the 200 lifts my 400. Sessions like 150s and 300s, plus max-velocity and endurance work, let each event feed the other. Faster top-end speed improves my opening 200 in the 400, and better strength lets me hold speed longer in the 200.

Being named New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year for Outdoor Track & Field—what does that honor mean to you?

It felt like the perfect cap to the season and my high school career. It validated the work I put in and also shined a light on our program at Phillips Exeter Academy—our coaches, our training, and our culture. I’m proud to represent that and join other outstanding athletes recognized throughout the USA.

The Gatorade award also recognizes academics and character. How have you balanced academic rigor with training and community involvement?

Exeter taught me discipline and routine. I prioritize schoolwork first and use the structure of athletics to sharpen my time management. The habits—efficiency, consistency, accountability—transfer directly to the classroom. I’m proud that my senior year was my best academically.

You were also a Boston Globe All-Scholastic soccer player and you’re a drummer. How have these interests shaped you?

Soccer gave me endurance, speed changes, and strength from a different perspective—and a mental balance from track. I actually started playing soccer before running track. Music, whether listening or playing drums, keeps me balanced and creative. I love track, but life is bigger than one sport—faith, family, friends, church and new skills help me grow as a person, not just an athlete.

Your Yale Cup selection recognizes character and leadership alongside academics and athletics at Exeter. What leadership lessons are you bringing to Princeton?

Leading by example and holding integrity close. I try to live my values—work ethic, humility and respect—so teammates can trust what I say because they see what I do. I also make a point to connect with everyone, especially younger athletes who might get less attention. A leader’s impact isn’t measured by a few—it’s measured by the whole group.

You’ve rewritten 11 individual/relay school records and hold New England records in the 200 meters and 400 meters. How do you view that legacy at Phillips Exeter?

I’m grateful. Those achievements are meaningful, but they reflect a community—coaches who invested in me and teammates who pushed me. If my results help highlight Exeter as a place where academics and athletics both thrive, that’s the legacy I’m proud of.

Looking back at your senior season and those relay wins (4x100 and 4x400), what was the key to the team’s success?

Trust. We were talented and close-knit, but believing in one another on race day made the difference. We didn’t overthink—we stayed disciplined and healthy, trusted our training and executed. Everyone delivered when it counted.

Who have been your biggest influences and how have they shaped you?

My parents and older siblings laid the foundation—they competed in college and modeled discipline, leadership, and character. My faith is central; I run to honor Jesus Christ and the gifts He’s given me. Friends and extended family also keep me grounded. I want to represent my name well and give back to the people who support me.

What’s the biggest setback you’ve faced in athletics, and what about outside of sports? How did you grow through those?

Athletically, my junior year back injury was tough. I returned for conference and ran well, but then the pain returned before nationals. With limited training, I didn’t perform how I wanted, and that hit me mentally. I used the summer to rebuild—patiently and consistently—and came back stronger, trusting that God had a plan.

Outside of athletics, adjusting to my boarding school, Phillips Exeter—new environment, away from home, different routines—was challenging. Balancing social, academic, and athletic pressure took time. Leaning on my support system—family and close friends—made all the difference and taught me to ask for help and keep perspective.

Looking ahead to Princeton—what drew you there? What other colleges were you considering?

The blend of elite academics and equally measured rigorous Division 1 athletics stood out. On my visit to Princeton, the people and culture felt welcoming and aligned with my values. It is somewhat of a return to home, as I was born in New Jersey.

I narrowed my choice to other schools like University of Michigan, Boston University and others with strong academics and competitive track programs, but Princeton felt like the best fit overall.

As you prepare to begin at Princeton this fall, which event—the 200 meters or 400 meters—are you most excited to run first?

Both, honestly—but the 400 meters has me especially excited. I feel like there’s more in the tank, and Princeton has a great group of 200/400 athletes, new and returning. With strong coaching and training partners, I see big room for growth in both events.

How do you anticipate adjusting to NCAA training and competition compared to prep school?

I’m going in with open eyes and ears. I want to learn from coaches and older teammates, find my rhythm, and earn trust by doing the little things right because they dictate how I take on the bigger. It’s an adjustment, but I’m ready to listen, adapt and compete.

What are your academic interests, and how will you manage them alongside athletics? Any extracurriculars you want to explore?

I’m interested in engineering and also eager to explore new unknown interest. The plan is similar to high school: academics first, while being fully committed to track. I’d also like to explore business-related clubs, affinity groups and Christian fellowship on campus.

Who are some college sprinters or role models in collegiate track who inspire you?

Aiden Silvestri—my former Exeter captain and dormmate—has been a big influence; his character, work ethic, and growth at Princeton inspire me. My sister at Columbia also sets a powerful example. Watching people I know pursue excellence with humility keeps me motivated.

What are your biggest goals—on and off the track—as you start this new chapter?

On the track: remain healthy, keep lowering my times, compete consistently at higher levels, and help my team. Long term, represent St. Kitts & Nevis at senior championships. Off the track: stay grounded, keep my faith at the center, build deep & authentic relationships, and grow as a student and leader.