Melissa Jefferson (born February 21, 2001) is a young and exciting American sprinter quickly making a name for herself on the national and international stage.Hailing from Hemingway, South Carolina, Jefferson's athletic journey began during her high school days. She established herself as a dominant force, winning state titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meter relay. Her talent earned her a scholarship to Coastal Carolina University.There, she continued to excel, becoming the first-ever individual NCAA National Champion for Coastal Carolina in 2022 with a blazing 60-meter dash time of 7.09 seconds, which was also the second-fastest time in all of NCAA Division I women's indoor track & field that season.Jefferson's collegiate success translated seamlessly to the professional level.
In 2022, she won the 100 meters at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, securing her spot on the U.S. team for the World Athletics Championships.At the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, she reached the finals in the 100 meters, finishing a respectable eighth. However, her true triumph came in the 4x100 meter relay. As part of the U.S. team, she played a crucial role in securing the coveted gold medal.She continued her winning streak in 2023, again claiming gold in the 4x100 meter relay at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
In April 2024, Jefferson further solidified her place on the international stage by contributing to another gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay at the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Bahamas.
Melissa Jefferson boasts impressive personal bests (PBs) across both indoor and outdoor distances, showcasing her versatility as a sprinter:
Outdoor:
100 meters: 10.69 seconds (wind-aided +2.9 m/s) achieved in the 2022 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships finals. This time secured her victory and remains her current best for the outdoor 100 meters.
Indoor:
60 meters: 7.09 seconds achieved in the 2022 NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships. This time not only made her the first individual NCAA National Champion for Coastal Carolina University but also ranked as the second-fastest time in all of NCAA Division I women's indoor track & field that season.
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