Melissa Jefferson-Wooden delivered one of the most breathtaking performances of her career on Saturday night at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships, blazing to a sensational 10.65 seconds in the women’s 100 meters final.
The time not only secured her the national title but also etched her name in history as one of the fastest American women ever over the distance. The packed Hayward Field crowd in Eugene erupted as Jefferson-Wooden crossed the line, cementing her place as the newest star in U.S. sprinting.
From the moment the gun went off, Jefferson-Wooden displayed a flawless execution. Known for her explosive starts, she was out of the blocks quickly, surging ahead in the first 30 meters. By the halfway mark, she had already created daylight between herself and the field. Her transition phase was smooth and powerful, and in the final 40 meters she maintained her top-end speed with remarkable composure. When she crossed the line, the clock read 10.65, a mark that immediately sent shockwaves through the sprinting world.
Her time not only shattered her previous personal best but also established her as the joint-fourth fastest American woman in history, behind legends such as Florence Griffith-Joyner, Marion Jones, and Sha’Carri Richardson.
A Rising Force in American Sprinting
At just 23 years old, Jefferson-Wooden’s journey to the top has been inspiring. A former NCAA champion from Coastal Carolina, she has steadily developed into a world-class sprinter since turning professional.
Many fans remember her breakout moment in 2022 when she stunned the field at the US Trials to earn her first World Championships berth. Since then, she has battled through injuries, setbacks, and fierce competition, emerging stronger with each season.
Her 10.65 not only proved her potential but also confirmed her ability to handle pressure on the biggest stage. With this performance, Jefferson-Wooden is now being talked about as a serious contender for Olympic gold in Paris 2025.
The women’s 100m final was one of the most anticipated races of the championships, with Sha’Carri Richardson, Kayla White, and Tamari Davis all in the lineup.
Richardson, the reigning world champion and one of the sport’s biggest stars, finished strongly but could not match Jefferson-Wooden’s blistering pace, crossing the line in 10.79 for second place. White, who had impressed in the heats with a 10.89, grabbed third in 10.85, securing her spot on Team USA. Davis finished fourth, narrowly missing out on a ticket to Paris.
The results mean the United States will send one of its strongest-ever women’s 100m teams to the Olympics, with Jefferson-Wooden, Richardson, and White expected to challenge Jamaica’s powerhouse sprinters for global supremacy.
A New Chapter in U.S. Sprint History
Jefferson-Wooden’s victory marks a new chapter in U.S. sprinting. With Florence Griffith-Joyner’s long-standing 10.49 world record still untouched, the new generation of American sprinters continues to inch closer to history.
Jefferson-Wooden’s 10.65 was not just about winning a national title — it was a statement to the world that she has arrived and is ready to compete with the very best.
As the road to Paris heats up, all eyes will be on Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. Her confidence, form, and electrifying speed make her one of the must-watch athletes of the summer. If Saturday’s race is anything to go by, she could very well deliver one of the defining performances of the Olympic Games.
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