by Deji Ogeyingbo
Melissa Jefferson’s Star Is Rising, But Can She Shine Even Brighter?
Melissa Jefferson had the kind of year that most athletes dream about. At the 2024 Olympics, she became the first Coastal Carolina University athlete to win an Olympic medal, earning bronze in the 100m and Gold as part of the 4x100m relay team. For the Georgetown, South Carolina native, this was more than a career milestone, it was the payoff for years of hard work and key decisions.
In 2023, Jefferson struggled to break the 11-second barrier in the 100m. But joining coach Dennis Mitchell and the Star Athletics club in Florida changed everything. Training alongside some of the fastest women in the world, including Sha’Carri Richardson and Twanisha Terry, pushed her to new heights. By the end of 2024, Jefferson had broken 11 seconds seven times, finishing with her Olympic bronze-winning 10.92.
Her role in Team USA’s 4x100m relay victory further showcased her value. Jefferson’s leadoff split of 11.46 helped set the tone for the team, which edged out Great Britain in a thrilling final. It was a golden moment on the sport’s biggest stage, capping off an incredible year.
So, what’s next for Jefferson?
The 27-year-old sprinter enters 2025 with the potential to be a regular contender on the international circuit. The inaugural season of Grand Slam Track offers a new platform to shine, and Jefferson has already signed on as a Racer. The league will provide consistent high-level competition and greater visibility for athletes. For Jefferson, it’s a chance to solidify her position as a star in the sprints.
But if she wants to step it up, there’s work to do. Training alongside Richardson and Terry has clearly benefited her, but she’ll need to close the gap to their level. Richardson, the Olympic champion, has mastered the art of peaking at the right time, while Terry has become a consistent force in both the 100m and 200m.
Jefferson can take inspiration from their consistency and sharpness in big races. She’s already shown she can deliver under pressure, but more races against elite fields will build the experience needed to become a fixture at Diamond League meets and World Championships finals.
Technically, Jefferson has room to grow. Her start is strong but not as explosive as it could be. Improving her reaction time and acceleration over the first 30 meters will be crucial. Additionally, refining her top-end speed and maintaining her form in the final stages of races could shave precious hundredths of a second off her times.
Off the track, Jefferson’s confidence is growing. Her humble beginnings in South Carolina and her journey through Coastal Carolina have made her relatable. She’s already a role model for young athletes, but she can amplify her voice further by engaging in more community outreach and sharing her story.
