Who Is Lolo Jones? At 41, the Oldest Athlete in US Track and Field Trials

American athlete Lolo Jones is inking a legacy! On 28 June, she graced the tracks at Hayward Field for the US Olympic Track and Field Trials, where she was in the running to claim victory in the 100m hurdles category. The results unfortunately did not go in favor, as she finished last in her heat with a 14.86s timing. Nonetheless, she still advanced to the semifinal round slated to be held on Saturday.

But what is extraordinary about Jones is her age. Presently, 41 years old, she is defying all odds, exhibiting that everything is doable if one is passionate enough. Moreover, as per CNN, Jones is the oldest athlete to qualify for the US trials, which has shifted all the lights on this veteran. “That was terrifying, what I just did,” she remarked post her spectacle. Notably, she competed at the Trials despite the hamstring injury that has kept her away for most of this season.

However, this isn’t the first time Jones has wowed her spectators. Being a 3x Olympian, across two categories, she debuted at the coveted Olympic platform in 2008, at Beijing. She ultimately finished seventh in the 100m hurdles event. But, coming back stronger, she redeemed herself at the London Games, in 2012. Regardless of these assiduous efforts, she missed out on the bronze and settled for a fourth in the same event.

Turning the page quickly and returned to the Olympics in 2014, at the Winter Games in Sochi. This time, not only was her vigor new, but also her sport, as the LSU alumni had switched to Bobsleigh. But, earlier this year, she returned to her signature event, the hurdles. Jones even pulled a stunner out of her bag at the Tom Jones Memorial, where 13.11 marvel qualified her for the US Trials.

Evidently, nothing limits Jones’ ambition, not her competitors and not even her age. In fact, she takes extreme pride in being 41 and setting a example for the world to follow. Let’s have a look at what she has to say about it.

Lolo Jones touting herself as an exemplar at 41

Post her run at Eugene, Jones shared a piece of her mind. She said, “You sometimes feel your world is over in your 20s if you don’t make a team. I hope to show them you can still be in your 40s and be good enough to qualify for the Olympic trials.” She further cited how she wants ‘these kids’ to look at her and be like, “you know what? My world’s not ending if I don’t make this Olympic team. There’s longevity.”

Interestingly, this was not all she said. Jones commented on how she is setting a gold standard by showing how one can be fit as a fiddle despite being in their 40s. She said, “I hope to show them you can still be in your 40s and be good enough to qualify for the Olympic trials. And I hope someone after me is going to be good enough to throw down in their 40s. Sport science is getting better.”

While Saturday will be a decider if Lolo Jones crafts a masterpiece on the tracks, she is sure to inspire many with her performance. What do you think about this stellar athlete? Let us know below.