Melissa Jefferson-Wooden Wins Again, Edges Gabby Thomas at Grand Slam Track

Miami, FL – In a thrilling finish at the Grand Slam Track in Miami, Olympic medalist Melissa Jefferson-Wooden clinched her second consecutive Grand Slam title on Saturday. She secured the women’s short sprints group with an impressive performance, edging out Gabby Thomas and Tamari Davis.

Jefferson-Wooden, a Georgetown County native and Carvers Bay High graduate, won the 100-meter race on Friday and finished third in the 200-meter event, clocking a personal best of 22.15 seconds. Accumulating a total of 18 points over the two events, she narrowly defeated Thomas, who won the 200m with a season-best time of 21.95 seconds.

“When I walk away from track and field forever, I want to go down as one of the greatest athletes,” Jefferson-Wooden said post-race. This victory adds to her growing list of accomplishments, which includes a gold medal in the 4x100m relay and a bronze in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

During an emotional post-race interview, Jefferson-Wooden was surprised by her cousin, who flew in from Korea while serving in the U.S. Army to witness her victory. “My evil twin is back home and he got to see my race in person,” she expressed, showcasing the personal connection behind her competitive spirit.

Meanwhile, in the men’s events, Britain’s Josh Kerr also achieved a milestone by claiming his first Grand Slam Track title. He earned 16 points by finishing fifth in the 800m, tying American Yared Nuguse on points but winning based on his top individual finish.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s win further establishes her as a top contender heading into the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo this summer. With thrilling finishes and emotional victories, the Grand Slam Track promises to shape the future of athletics.