This time, the 100m sprint event in the women’s category in the Prefontaine Classic can surely be termed as the battle of ‘David’s. From the starting point, the debate revolved around the prized fight between Sha’Carri Richardson, Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith, and Julien Alfred. Later, Elaine Thompson-Herah’s entry to the list increased the competition level. All these sprinters come with flares and achievements. So is there any sprinter in the contest who is feeling pressure to face such big names on one track? The answer might be no, as per Melissa Jefferson. 

The 23-year-old American sprinter shares the same practice ground with reigning 100m world champion Sha’Carri Richardson and has had a fair outing in several contests in the last 6 months. Based on that, Melissa could tell, “I think the thing that I’m most looking forward to is to just focus on what it is that I need to execute in order to win.” In the press conference before the Prefontaine Classic, she could go on describing her stand in the Olympic season. And in her narration, Sha’Carri Richardson kept on coming at the top again and again. 

But there have been positive sides to sharing the practice session with the world champion, and that is the sky-high confidence. Melissa Jefferson put a stamp on the existence of such weapons. “I train with the world champion also along with TT Terry as well. So you know, we bring that atmosphere of it being a championship”, she claimed. Ultimately, Jefferson has clarified that she is not going to be the minnow in the upcoming heavy contest. In the meantime, she may take her inspiration from her 100m performances this year. 

The 2-time world champion has eyed to hone her 100m prowess through different contests this year. In her appearances, she tried to remain in the sub-11 category, whereas the thorough 100m participation has helped her to add up a better performance in the Bahamas. Well, Melissa Jefferson formed the quartet in the Bahamas this month which punched the Paris Olympics in the 4x100m relay race for the USA. So now she is up to achieving a personal milestone by defeating the track and field royalties in Hayward Field tomorrow. But what are her chances? 

Sha’Carri Richardson’s practice mate believes in grinding

This year, Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson have yet to enter a common competitive track in 100m. But last year, this duo came across several times in the 100m event, and each time Melissa had to return defeated by the LSU alum. Against Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith, the show remained almost the same, facing heartbreak each time. The St Lucian stunner, Julien Alfred, had also the same say. But among such counts of failures, Melissa Jefferson had also made a mark to remember. 

Last year in the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational meet, Melissa Jefferson pulled off a stunner against reigning Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah in the 200m event. Her rapid change of pace outsmarted the Jamaican legend. But Melissa wanted to continue with such a fiery performance. That was the reason for her shifting to Sha’Carri Richardson’s mentor, Dennis Mitchell, last season. 

The former athlete cum coach is renowned for his aggression and mastery in the relay races. So, now Melissa Jefferson is on her way to combining these qualities in her track persona. The Prefontaine Classic will hold a suitable scale to measure her capability on the route.