MEMPHIS, Tenn. — PARIS – Former Ole Miss track star McKenzie Long won her heat in the 200-meter dash at the Olympics, edging out Ivory Coast sprinter Maca Gbai with a time of 22.55. Long will advance to the semifinals, which will take place tomorrow.
Long initially established herself as a standout athlete at NC State, setting school records in the 200-meter dash, 4x100-meter relay, and indoor 4x400-meter relay. She continued to excel during her two years at Ole Miss.
In the 2024 outdoor season, Long earned first-team All-American honors three times and claimed NCAA titles in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter relay events.
The women's 200-meter dash semifinal will begin at 1:45 p.m. CT.
Long is not the only Midsouth athlete competing in Paris tomorrow. Oxford native and Olympic pole vaulter Sam Kendricks was one of eight athletes to clear 5.75 meters on Saturday and will compete in the pole vault final at 12 p.m. CT.
Germantown native Seth Rider will also be vying for gold. Rider and Team USA will compete in the mixed triathlon at 1 a.m. CT.