Christian Coleman’s 2024 has been a rollercoaster ride, but not the fun kind. Once the pride of Tennessee and a force to be reckoned with on the track, Coleman’s year has been full of unexpected turns. After being crowned the 100m World Champion in 2019, Coleman was ready to be a household name in track and field. But 2024? Let’s just say it’s been more “uh-oh” than “wow.” From missing the Olympic team to failing to snag gold at the World Championships, it feels like this year, Coleman’s fast feet couldn’t outrun the setbacks.

But here’s the kicker: It’s not just the world stage that’s been tough for Coleman—it’s his backyard. Yes, Tennessee. It’s the place where he’s been the top dog in track for years. But, uh-oh, there’s a new kid on the block—and her name’s Gretchen Walsh. You can almost hear the collective gulp as Coleman realizes he’s not even the top Olympian from his own state anymore.

Snubbed in his own backyard

Christian Coleman has been Tennessee’s track and field hero for years. The man was the fastest in the world in 2019, with his blistering 9.76 in the 100m, where he solidified himself as one of the best sprinters on this planet. But in 2024, Gretchen Walsh snatched the title of 2024 Tennessean Sportsperson of the Year from him, according to The Tennessean.

Walsh, a 19-year-old from Nashville, has been making headlines in the pool (pun intended). Everyone in Tennessee is talking about her achievements this year. By winning both the silver and bronze at the World Championships, she secured a spot in the Olympic squad for Paris 2024. Walsh’s impressive performances, including a strong performance in the 100m and 200m freestyle, earned her relegation from Coleman, who was dropped from the Olympic team after their defeat at the Trials. The town has lost interest in Coleman all of a sudden. But the headlines are changing, and Walsh is taking center stage.

Nonetheless, Walsh is not the only one who has stolen the limelight. Coleman faces the tough challenge of taking the top spot, as Tennessee has consistently produced quality players in games. Consider Christian Moore, a Tennessee baseball player who set the program record with 34 home runs in a season, making him one of 11 players in NCAA history to do so. He was one of the stars who led his team to their first College World Series title. And don’t forget Alex Walsh. The 200-individual medley at the 2024 was also won by Alex, Gretchen Walsh’s sister, who had a strong year. Olympics despite a disqualification incident. The state’s “Olympic royalty” pool was significantly affected by the intense competition at home.

A tough year for Christian Coleman

If you’ve followed Coleman this year, you’ve probably seen it play out like a slow-motion train wreck. 2024 was supposed to be the year he came back with a vengeance. Coleman was eager to prove himself after missing the Olympics in 2020 due to a suspension. But 2024 just didn’t deliver. Coleman’s year was marked by some major setbacks. At the U.S. Olympic Trials, he failed to cut the Paris Games. Despite being one of the best in the world, he couldn’t shake off the rust in time to beat up-and-coming talent like Noah Lyles and the powerhouse of American sprinters. And then, the 2024 World Championships came along, where Coleman was hoping to snag that elusive gold finally. But once again, he fell short, finishing behind Lyles in the 100m and 200m finals. It wasn’t just about the medals—it was about the bigger picture. Coleman’s race for redemption felt more like a marathon of disappointments.

To add salt to the wound, even though Christian Coleman’s been dominating the track for years, his Tennessee peers have outshined him this year. No gold, no Olympic ticket, and now no state title. It’s been one of those years he’ll want to forget, fast. It’s almost like everything he worked for just slipped right through his fingers. Well, if there’s one thing we can say about Coleman, it’s that giving up isn’t really in his playbook. Sure, 2024 hasn’t rolled out the red carpet for him—it’s been tough. But you know, athletes like him, they excel when it comes to comebacks. He might not wrap up this year with a win, but who knows? 2025 could be where he turns it all around. I mean, every athlete gets this, right? It’s not just about the beginning of the race; it’s all about how you cross that finish line.