### Jefferson-Wooden Shines Amidst Paris Olympics Memories, Eyes Future Championships

PHILADELPHIA – Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, reflecting on her achievements from the Paris 2024 Olympics, has placed her medals in decorative boxes under the TV in her living room, ensuring they remain a source of motivation for her future goals. A bronze medalist in the 100m and part of the gold-winning 4x100m relay team from Paris, Jefferson-Wooden is hungry for more success.

Recently at the Grand Slam Track in Philadelphia, Jefferson-Wooden demonstrated her exceptional prowess. On Saturday, she triumphed in the 200m, setting a personal best of 21.99 seconds, defeating Olympic 200m champion, Gabby Thomas. She continued her impressive performance on Sunday by winning the 100m in 10.73 seconds, improving her previous best and securing a tie for the 10th fastest women’s 100m time ever recorded.

Jefferson-Wooden's recent 100m time not only made her the world’s fastest woman in 2025 but also positioned her as the second-fastest active American sprinter. Her time was just one hundredth of a second shy of Julien Alfred’s gold-winning time from the Paris Olympics.

Born and raised in a quaint South Carolina seaport town, Jefferson-Wooden’s journey to success began with humble beginnings, involving only two scholarship offers straight out of high school and a last-place finish in her first NCAA Championships race. Since then, she has set her sights on high achievements, fueled by her resolve since observing the Tokyo Olympic Trials.

Having gotten married in March, Jefferson-Wooden already met her season’s goal by breaking 10.80 seconds in the 100m. Her primary focus remains the 100m as she aims to secure a spot at the World Championships during the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships from July 31 to August 3. The top three in the 100m at nationals, plus the defending world champion, will advance to the World Championships in Tokyo.

The Grand Slam Track season wraps up with a final meet in Los Angeles in late June, where athletes will continue to showcase their talents live.

In other events, Kenny Bednarek clocked a personal best of 9.86 seconds in the men's 100m, tying this year's world-leading time. Meanwhile, Ackera Nugent completed a sweep of the 100m hurdles and flat 100m races, showcasing her versatility and competitive edge.

Josh Kerr claimed victory in the men’s 1500m race, narrowly defeating Cole Hocker in a thrilling finish that added another layer of excitement to the event.

With sights set firmly on future competitions and potential records, Jefferson-Wooden embodies the spirit of a dedicated and determined athlete ready to make history in the world of sprinting.