After two decades of triumph and controversy, Justin Gatlin knows the highs and lows of track and field better than anyone. As an Olympic and 4X world champion, Gatlin experienced his glory and scandal, including his own doping controversy. However, what resonates most with Gatlin is keeping the spirit of the sport alive while overcoming one’s challenges. “I’m not just a runner. I’m not just a fast guy. I’m a fighter. I’m a survivor in life.” This very self of Gatlin struck a chord with NCAA champion McKenzie Long’s story of triumph navigating through personal grief.

After going through his share of challenges in life, Gatlin decided to reach a bigger audience through his podcasts, reflecting on what struggles athletes face. “I find that as an athlete, we don’t get to speak our mind often or share our hearts. So I chose motivational speaking to help make a difference.” So as Long poured her emotions out after the NCAA victory, Gatlin did not miss that to bring to his podcast.

“Mom, I know you’re here, push me through,” teary-eyed McKenzie Long said before moving to her final 200m event in the NCAA track and field championship last week. Her mom, Tara Jones (45), passed away after a heart attack on January 29, a few weeks before the athlete’s new season. Long had a wish to bring her mom to the stadium to make her witness her daughter’s performance.

Keeping her mother’s spirit in her heart, the Ole Miss women’s track and field senior ended the final with a smashing performance in 100m, 200m, and 4x100m; winning all three events within 90 minutes! Among those victories, she set the 200m track ablaze by setting the world lead timing (21.83 seconds), .03 seconds shy of Abby Steiner’s 2022 record.

In his recent podcast, Ready Set Go, Justin Gatlin shared Long’s story, believing that the NCAA track and field athlete’s story could motivate a thousand to believe in their ability. “We need to hear more stories like that.” Long had been counting on her deceased mom to give her the strength to pull through and win the competition. For Gatlin, that sentiment and the power of her belief were special. He stated, “That was amazing to hear her say she sits in the stands alone and talks to her mom like you got me.” 

Long’s story acts as an inspiration to track and field athletes or individuals to rise above their ability on their off days, riding on their love for someone. “We need to hear how someone has influenced you, inspired you, motivated you to be able to reach heights that you probably didn’t think that you could reach yourself. But you’re so tapped in because of the love and the connection and the bond you have with an individual like this situation,” the legend said. 

McKenzie Long herself couldn’t believe the feats she had made on that day. In each event that day, she found less constraint than ever before and could murmur only, “I was like Mom, this is instantly you. That’s never happened to me before.” But it did happen back in February when Long won the SEC Indoor Championships 200m clocking 22.60s. That occasion also brought out how much her mother meant to her.

“We made it on the podium..by any means. All the pain, grit, tears, sleepless nights were released. i finally saw you at the finish line. By no means this will get any easier but we’re one step closer momma…22.60 💗Nattys up next 📍you are my purpose,” Long had written in an Instagram post on February 25. Indeed, she has lived up to that purpose. Now she has bigger plans. 

McKenzie Long’s grand bid might bring up old rivalry 

In Ole Miss history, McKenzie Long has etched her name in two seasons. The comet-like rise has earned her numerous achievements, including three NCAA championships and two runner-up titles. Meanwhile, the USATF Athlete of the Week tag has also adorned her. However, a gate of something extraordinary has opened to her because of her achievements in the NCAA track and field championships. 

As per the details, because of her timings in both the 100m and 200m events in the NCAA final, McKenzie Long earned the Olympic trial (June 21-30) qualification cards. So, almost 3 weeks after her magical day in Oregon, Long will reach the venue again to extend her track and field dream to the Olympics. Apart from others, one old rivalry might be rekindled there. Long might cross her roads with One of her high school rivals, Dublin Coffman graduate Abby Steiner, also targeting her first Olympic bid.

“We used to run all the time in high school. She was in my class. Everybody is comparing us to each other where we’re running almost the same times in the same events. It’s pretty ironic. I never thought we would be two girls from Ohio living the Olympic trials dreams, so it’s pretty cool,” an excited Long said. The former Rebel, however, knows that things are quite heated up at the trials. But the inner rebel will want to make a reality out of it. Till then, let’s keep an eye on her story.