Jetter, who anchored Team USA to a 4 by 100m World Record at the 2012 Olympics, has revealed the qualities about Tee Tee Terry that make her a 'phenomenal' athlete.
American sprint legend Carmelita Jeter recently showered praise on Twanisha ‘Tee Tee’ Terry, calling attention to the qualities that make the 25-year-old a standout both as an athlete and as a person.
During an appearance on the Journey To Gold podcast, Jeter revealed her admiration for Terry's work ethic, education, and relentless drive to excel.
Jeter, known for her blistering speed and once holding the title of “Fastest Woman Alive” with a 100m best of 10.64 seconds, shared that she has known Terry for years, long before she stepped into her own coaching role.
Reflecting on Terry’s dedication, Jeter said, “I used to go up to [USC] before I was a coach there, and I would talk to her about driving for 15 and 16 steps… she is a phenomenal athlete.”
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Terry, a graduate of the University of Southern California, not only achieved success on the track but also excelled academically, earning two master’s degrees before even beginning her professional career.
For Jeter, this commitment to her education sets Terry apart in a world that often underestimates the multi-dimensional talent of athletes.
“What people fail to realize is that she is highly educated… I know that sometimes people think of athletes as just that, athlete, but this young lady put her stuff together before she even became a pro athlete, and I admire that,” Jeter said.
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Terry’s achievements are indeed remarkable. Known for her nickname "Tee Tee," she recently took home a gold medal as part of the Women’s 4x100 meter relay team at the Paris Olympics, placing herself among the sport’s elite.
Her performance in the individual 100 meters also underscored her potential, finishing fifth in a star-studded final, where her teammates Sha'Carri Richardson and Mellisa Jefferson took silver and bronze, respectively.
Jeter, who in 2023 became the head coach for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas track and field program, couldn’t help but be impressed by Terry’s intelligence and humility.
“I had to go back to get my master’s, and for her to leave the collegiate era with two master’s… she was on the dean’s list all the time… I wish she would tell people how extremely talented she is off the track,” Jeter noted.
20:42 - 29.10.2024
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Terry’s story is indeed inspiring. From her early days competing in the Junior Olympics to breaking national records, she has embodied resilience and determination.
Her success on the track is matched only by her academic dedication, graduating from USC with a degree in Communications, followed by a master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, while maintaining a GPA above 3.5.
Jeter also shared how Terry’s role model, sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has influenced her drive, a quality that has undoubtedly contributed to her rapid progression in the sport.
Training at Star Athletics Club in Florida with coach Dennis Mitchell and alongside top sprinters like Richardson, Terry has shown she can handle the pressures and expectations of the highest level.
As Terry continues to excel in her career, Jeter’s words underscore a vital message: the value of building a foundation that extends beyond athletics.
For Jeter, it is Terry’s intellect, discipline, and passion that make her a uniquely special athlete. “Be you. Be Tee Tee. Focus on yourself,” Terry once said. With Jeter’s praise and her own grounded philosophy, Terry is well on her way to leaving an enduring legacy.