She’s one to watch!
At just 24 years old, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden sprinted her way into history this summer at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She won both the 100-meter and 200-meter races, running a personal-best 10.65 seconds in the 100m—the fastest time in the world this year and the fifth-fastest ever—and a personal-best 21.84 seconds in the 200m, Coastal Carolina Athletics reports.
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By capturing both titles, Jefferson-Wooden became the first woman since 2003 to sweep the sprint double at the national championships, a rare feat that puts her among the elite in American track and field. Her victories also earned her a spot on the U.S. team for the World Athletics Championships this September in Tokyo.
Already an Olympic bronze medalist in the 100 meters and gold medalist in the 4×100 relay from the 2024 Paris Games, Jefferson-Wooden’s momentum is undeniable.
Reflecting on her success, she said, “I’ve been dreaming of days like this, and it’s finally starting to come true. Right now, the sky is the limit. I just have to keep working toward bigger and better things.”
With the international stage ahead, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden isn’t just winning races, she’s shaping the future of U.S. sprinting.
Cover photo: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Becomes First Woman Since 2003 to Win 100m and 200m at U.S. Nationals / Photo Credit: Dan Vernon