The 23-year-old athlete, Jasmine Jones, envisioned 2024 very differently, in a single word—Victorious! But her promising track career came to an abrupt halt. Once a rising star with Olympic gold in her sights, she was now standing on a pedestal of crushing sadness and disappointment after her plans took the bullet, forcing her to face a pivotal moment that would define her future. But how does someone who was so close to achieving the ultimate dream pick up the pieces and move forward? 

After the best of her efforts, when she was left with nothing other than the 4th position in the Paris Olympics 2024, that fact alone was a bitter pill to swallow; it was heartbreaking for her. But Jasmine Jones’ mindset is one of the winner’s! She is not to dwell on the loss but to stay resilient for greater wins yet to come. She has kept her composure, and as she looks ahead to her first professional year, Jasmine remains focused on using this setback to fuel her upcoming challenges. This loss filled her with fire, and this time around, nothing’s going to come in her way.

A close miss, but Jones stays headstrong! 

Jasmine Jones, 23, the rising star in the track and field world, is famous for her talent in hurdles. To be where she is today, she has given everything—this girl is a three-time NCAA champion (4x100m relay, 2021; 400m hurdles, 2024 with a time of 53.15 seconds; 60m hurdles, NCAA Indoor Championships with a personal best of 7.77 seconds). She also placed second in the 100m hurdles at the 2023 NCAA Championships with a personal best time of 12.66 seconds, competing for the University of Southern California (USC), including her 4x400m relay success.

While she entered the Summer Olympics in Paris 2024 with her personal best of 52.77 seconds in Olympic trials, she knew the competition was fierce, but her approach was unflinching. “Don’t be scared of the race. Don’t be scared of how it’s going to hurt—it’s going to hurt if you run fast or slow. Just go out there and give it all you can.” Jasmine expresses with the Grand Slam Track Confessional. Her focus was on not letting fear of pain hold her back. Despite giving her all, finishing fourth in the 400m hurdles was a hard pill to swallow. 

It’s a feeling that almost no one would get until they are in her shoes. Imagine the one thing you dream of and work hard for just vanishes away. For Jasmine Jones, it was a few seconds, the gap between her and the Olympic medal, which she lost. Jones clocked 52.29 seconds in the 400m hurdle race after Femke Bol, who was ahead of Jones by a fraction of a second (clocking 52.25 seconds) and bagging the Olympic bronze medal. All in all, Jasmine’s 4th position took a toll on her mind. It was a difficult phase for her, but she continued to stay resilient and prove the spirit she carries for her dreams.

Jasmine Jones’s approach to setbacks is not to dwell on the loss but to use it as fuel to push even harder, and hats off for the mindset, because as much as it sounds great, it’s even harder to be able to get there. This is what a true sportsperson is; that’s the spirit! “What got you there keeps you there,” she said, reflecting on the discipline it takes to stay at the top. She isn’t the one to rest back for too long; she’s gotten herself an upgrade. It’s not just about running fast; it’s about living fast—making every decision count towards her goals. 

Jasmine Jones’ ways to build herself again

So amid the highs and lows of Jasmine Jones’ 2024 campaign, she found strength in her support network, particularly her father. “He was my first coach,” Jasmine says, recalling the moments when her father encouraged her through literally everything, all the hurdles and challenges. “Whenever I felt scared or thought it was going to be too hard, he would remind me of who I was when I didn’t believe it myself.” This bond has been the rock of her career, providing her with the confidence to face it all, no matter how daunting. The support system around her is not just about cheering from the sidelines but about understanding the journey, the sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Jones’ pre-race rituals are another example of her mental fortitude. “I always do my makeup and get ready for like an hour before I go out there,” she says, sharing a glimpse into her routine that helps her transform into the athlete she needs to be. This ritual isn’t just about confidence; it’s a reminder of her journey and the person she’s become. Her 2024 season may have been spoiled, but it has only strengthened her resolve to push harder, to break through, and to achieve greatness.

The 2024 campaign for Jasmine Jones was a testament to her resilience required in track and field. Her bold approach to challenges, supported by a strong network of mentors and her father, who is with her in each step she takes, will ensure better days for her for sure; he will guide her as she strives to leave a lasting legacy in the sport. Jasmine remains determined to prove that even in the face of disappointment, the true victory lies in the journey and the memories made along the way, and she owns it like a pro.