S.C. native punches ticket to Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games

CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - With the Olympic Games beginning at the end of July, another round of competitors, including a local athlete, secured their spot on Team USA Saturday.

It’s an unforgettable moment. The moment South Carolina native Melissa Jefferson crossed the finish line Saturday in the women’s 100-meter qualifier, securing her Paris 2024 spot.

Jefferson placed second with a time of 10.8 seconds, just nine-hundredths of a second behind Sha’carri Richardson who took first place in the matchup.

She told media members in a press conference on Saturday, that it was a change from the last time she was on that track.

“It wasn’t one of my best races, but I was able to come home, train with these lovely ladies, and fix the things I needed to work on. And as you can see, it paid off,” said Jefferson.

She said that mindset is a large part of it.

“Every time I come to Hayward, it’s in a championship setting, so I know it’s time to show up and show out. And that’s what I did today, said Jefferson.

Jefferson attended Carvers Bay High School and then went on to attend Coastal Carolina, where she continued running track.

The university took to social media Saturday night to celebrate the former Chant. Horry County Fire Rescue also took to social media to reflect on the time Jefferson spent with them while at CCU.

Jefferson isn’t the only CCU alum who’s made it on Team USA, with Amber Campbell making it in 2008 and 2012 for the hammer throw.

WMBF News is your Olympics headquarters. The opening ceremony kicks off the games on July 26.

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