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Campbell-Brown, a two-time Olympic champion in the 200 meters, has sent Tia Clayton some crucial words of advice following a 2024 that saw her reach the final of the 100 meters at the Paris Olympics.
Jamaican sprint legend Veronica Campbell-Brown has opened up about her intense and enduring rivalry with American track star Allyson Felix.
Speaking on Fitzroy Dunkley’s YouTube channel, the eight-time Olympic medalist reflected on their decade-long battle for dominance in the 200m, a contest that defined an era in athletics.
From 2004 to 2012, Campbell-Brown and Felix alternated as the world's top 200m sprinters, claiming every major title during this period. Felix captured three World Championship golds in 2005, 2007, and 2009, while Campbell-Brown earned Olympic golds in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008) and a World Championship title in Daegu (2011).
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21:35 - 20.12.2024
'For me, 2008 was just devastation'- Allyson Felix reflects on Olympic loss to Jamaican Veronica Campbell Brown
Allyson Felix has revealed how losing to Jamaican rival Veronica Campbell Brown for the second consecutive Olympic games broke her.
“I love the rivalry because when you have a competitor you know is going to show up, that helps you to really show up,” Campbell-Brown said.
Their rivalry was fierce yet respectful, with both athletes bringing out the best in each other.
“Nobody wants to lose, and we were both fierce competitors,” Campbell-Brown added. “Whenever I ran against her, I had to be extra focused and prepared because we have a lot of things in common in terms of mindset, determination, and fierceness.”
One of their most iconic showdowns occurred at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Campbell-Brown successfully defended her 200m title. Felix, who entered the race as the reigning world champion, later admitted the loss was “devastating.”
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17:41 - 08.10.2024
Jamaican sprint legend Veronica Campbell-Brown agrees with Noah Lyles on the mentality athletes should possess
Campbell-Brown, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has echoed Noah Lyles' sentiments on the mentality athletes who want to achieve their goals should have.
“I knew Allyson was coming for me in Beijing, so I had my plan,” Campbell-Brown recounted. “The first 50 meters, I had to go past Allyson. I was like, ‘You have to catch me if you can.’”
Understanding Felix’s strengths, Campbell-Brown crafted a strategy that played to her own advantage.
“I knew Allyson was strong, and I was good on the curves. So I decided to take the lead, take command of the race, and hold my technique. By 150 meters, I had nothing left. If she had stepped up to me at that point, maybe she’d have had a chance. But I gave it my all.”
The grueling effort paid off, but it came at a physical cost.
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13:15 - 03.01.2025
Elaine Thompson-Herah reveals odd choice of diet before first Olympic double & 'accidental' 10.54 sprint
Elaine Thompson-Herah has opened up on the odd choice of diet she had at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the morning she ran a blistering 10.54 seconds in the 100m of the Prefontaine Classic in 2021.
“At the end of that race, I felt like I was about to die. I could hardly breathe,” Campbell-Brown said.
Campbell-Brown emphasized the role their rivalry played in elevating the sport.
“I enjoy rivalry. It brings excitement to the sport, is great entertainment for the fans, and helps each athlete race hard,” she said.
Her admiration for Felix was clear, but she relished the challenge of facing her toughest competitor.
“Rivalry pushes you to bring out the best in yourself,” Campbell-Brown said.
Campbell-Brown retired with an extraordinary résumé: three Olympic golds, five World Championship golds, and personal bests of 10.76 seconds in the 100m and 21.74 seconds in the 200m. She remains one of the few sprinters to have broken 11 seconds in the 100m on 49 occasions, trailing only Jamaican legends Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Merlene Ottey.
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