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Twanisha 'Tee Tee' Terry has hit back at critics saying she is nothing more than a relay runner, while offering advice to upcoming athletes on why they should learn to take a break off social media.
After a stellar 2024 season that saw her reach new heights in her career, Twanisha ‘Tee Tee’ Terry has pushed back against detractors labelling her as merely a relay specialist.
The Star Athletics sprinter, who trains alongside Sha’Carri Richardson and Mellisa Jefferson under coach Dennis Mitchell, highlighted her individual growth and accomplishments during a recent Q&A session on her YouTube channel.
Terry’s breakout moment came at the Paris Olympics, where she advanced to her first major senior final in the 100 metres, finishing in a commendable fifth place.
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21:00 - 19.11.2024
'She is my little bit but she is alot' - Dennis Mitchell unveils the unique traits about his sprint stars Sha'Carri Richardson, Mellisa Jefferson & 'Tee Tee' Terry
Mitchell coaches Sha'Carri Richardson, Mellisa Jefferson and Twanisha 'Tee Tee' Terry, who represented USA in the final of the 100 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics, as well as the 4 by 100 meter
This achievement was especially remarkable considering the injuries she had to overcome earlier in the year. Her teammates, Richardson and Jefferson, clinched silver and bronze, while the trio later joined forces with Gabby Thomas to reclaim the 4x100m relay title for the United States.
Despite her significant contributions to Team USA, including three global relay medals, Terry has faced online criticism for her lack of individual podium finishes—a narrative she firmly rejects.
In the Q&A, Terry stressed the importance of shielding oneself from the negativity prevalent on social media, particularly as an athlete gearing up for monumental events.
“You cannot let what people on social media say get to you because they are looking outside in and do not know what you are going through,” she said.
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12:00 - 22.11.2024
American relay coach reveals trait that makes Twanisha ‘TeeTee’ Terry Team USA’s golden asset in relays
Olympian Twanisha Terry has been part of all three gold medal-winning relays teams for USA over the last three years.
“Sometimes, give yourself a break from social media. Mute certain people. If you want to, block them.”
Terry revealed that she took a social media hiatus leading up to the US Olympic Trials, a decision she credits for her ability to stay focused.
“If I had gone on there and seen the stuff they were talking about me through the rounds, it probably would have affected me to an extent.”
She recalled one instance where a comment doubted her ability to progress beyond the heats, a sentiment she only discovered after securing her spot on Team USA.
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“I am more than a relay runner”
Terry also addressed the perception of her as solely a relay runner, acknowledging that her previous struggles with consistency may have contributed to the label.
“I get why they said what they said because I did not put the races and the times where I needed to put them together, but I am more than a relay runner,” she affirmed.
Reflecting on her 2024 season, Terry highlighted her growth and achievements.
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22:00 - 22.11.2024
'Sha'Carri is an amazing third leg' - US relay coach Michelle Freeman on why she slotted Richardson in anchor leg at Paris Olympics
The American sprinter guided the USA to the relay gold medal in the French capital as well as a silver in the individual 100m
“I proved it in 2024 that I am more than a relay runner. I did not make the final on my own and placed top five in the world.”
While admitting that some criticism fuels her motivation, she urged fans to refrain from being overly malicious.
“I appreciate it sometimes because when they say negative things… However, do not be malicious with it.”
With her performance in Paris cementing her position among the world’s top sprinters, Terry has clearly signalled her intent to push past stereotypes and prove herself as an individual force on the track.
Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination, traits that will undoubtedly shape her future in athletics.
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