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Jefferson, who won bronze in 100m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has explained how her teammates Sha'Carri Richardson and Tee Tee Terry helped make her journey a success.
Olympic 100m bronze medalist Melissa Jefferson has opened up about the pivotal role her Star Track teammates Twanisha ‘Tee Tee’ Terry and Sha’Carri Richardson played in her transformation into one of the top sprinters in the world.
Following a memorable summer in Paris, Jefferson's season concluded on a high, as she reflected on her journey and the support system that helped her succeed.
Jefferson was also a crucial part of the Team USA 4x100m relay team, winning gold alongside Terry, Richardson, and Gabby Thomas.
Since joining the Dennis Mitchell-led Star Athletics group, she has witnessed remarkable progress in her performances, which culminated in Olympic success. Jefferson particularly highlighted her bond with Terry, describing her as not only a best friend but a mentor.
"Tee Tee is not only one of my closest friends but is also my big sister," Jefferson shared with City of Miami Govt, emphasizing the importance of their relationship. "She played a huge part in me joining Star Athletics, so I would definitely say it is a joy."
Despite a challenging start to her 2023 season, Jefferson turned things around under Mitchell’s guidance, breaking the elusive 11-second barrier in the 100m seven times in the following year.
She finished her season with a personal best of 10.92 seconds to claim bronze at the Olympics and also ran the leadoff leg for Team USA’s victorious 4x100m relay squad.
Reflecting on her early struggles, Jefferson acknowledged that surrounding herself with the right people, including her supportive teammates, played a significant role in her growth.
"I did have a bit of a lingering issue coming into the season—just some stuff from the previous year," Jefferson explained.
"When I made the change and did not right away gel with all the rest of the guys and girls, it was a little bit discouraging. But having that support system and those people that really believe in you and know that you can accomplish the things you wanna accomplish, that is what pushed me every day."
The camaraderie and shared belief among the sprinters fueled their collective achievements, most notably in the relay event. Jefferson expressed her satisfaction with the bond she has formed with her teammates, both on and off the track, a bond that was instrumental in their gold-medal-winning performance in the 4x100m relay.
"To go and get a gold medal and an individual medal as well in the relay with my teammates, it was good," Jefferson said, highlighting the triumph of working together with a group that shares the same drive and goals.
As a role model for younger athletes, Jefferson had some words of encouragement for up-and-coming track stars. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, faith, and having a reliable support system in place.
"To keep going. I didn’t necessarily have a rough upbringing, but the little bumps along the road will be crossed. Trusting God and surrounding yourself with people who are going to support you no matter what," she advised.
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