McKenzie Long, an Ole Miss track phenom, has sprinted her way into the 200m finals at the Paris Olympics, making an undeniable mark in her Olympic debut. She initially blazed through the heats with a commanding performance of 22.55 seconds, leaving competitors in her wake. Her time not only propelled her past the first hurdle but also underscored her exceptional speed, as reported by Rachel Phillips. Despite not breaking the elusive 22-second barrier in the heats, Long's personal best stands at an impressive 21.83 seconds.
Ole Miss grad McKenzie Long finished first in her heat in the 200m at the Olympics.
— Rachel Phillips (@rachphillipstv) August 4, 2024
Her 22.55 sees her qualify for the semifinals tomorrow. Long’s PB is a 21.83, no sprinter ran under 22 in the heats. pic.twitter.com/fj34n7PbER
After her heat performance, Tthe semi-finals saw Long continuing to exert her dominance by finishing sixth, clocking in at 22.30 seconds, securing her place in the final showdown. As Long keeps up her stride and aims for the podium, it's evident that her journey from NC State record-setter to Ole Miss track star is reaching a crescendo on the world's biggest athletic stage. Her progression to the finals was confirmed by Action News 5 which listed Long among the elite roster that includes formidable talents like Gabby Thomas, Julien Alfred, and Dina Asher-Smith.
In addition to her individual pursuits, Long is remembered at Ole Miss for her significant contributions to team events. She's earned first-team All-American honors three times and claimed NCAA titles in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter relay events. Her excellence during her two years at Ole Miss set the stage for Olympic success. This was highlighted by Local Memphis in their coverage of Long's semifinal qualification.
Long is no the only athlete from the Midsouth region making waves at the Paris Olympics. Her Olympic quest runs parallel with that of Oxford's own Sam Kendricks, whose pole vaulting prowess has taken him to the finals, and Germantown native Seth Rider, who is tackling the mixed triathlon with Team USA. The range of local talent on the global stage underscores the depth of athleticism nurtured within the region. As the races heat up and the final approaches, all eyes will be on McKenzie Long as she charges towards potential Olympic glory.
