Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry, an Olympic gold medalist, attributes her impressive speed to a mix of natural ability and hard work. Training under coach Dennis Mitchell at Florida’s Star Athletics Track Club alongside notable athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson and Mellisa Jefferson, Terry continues to hone her skills as one of track and field’s brightest talents.
Terry played a crucial role in securing a gold medal for the U.S. women’s 4x100m relay team at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Additionally, she earned a fifth-place finish in the 100m final, which was highly competitive, with her teammates Richardson and Jefferson taking silver and bronze, respectively.
Though Terry has long been known for her inherent speed, she recognizes that elite success goes beyond just genetics. She shared on her YouTube channel that she was born with certain genetic advantages, but her coach always encouraged her potential. “Some people had to build up to do things that I could do naturally,” Terry explained. Despite this, she emphasized that her improvement over time has been the result of constant refinement of her technique and focus on the finer details.
“I was naturally fast, but over time I have worked hard to increase my speed and become faster at every level,” she said. Reflecting on her progress, Terry noted that her speed improved significantly from high school to college, where she became more technically proficient. Now, her focus is on maintaining technical precision by concentrating on the smallest aspects of her training, blending natural ability with rigorous work.
Terry’s journey to the top began early in her career. At just 19 years old, she made a mark at the Mt. SAC Relays in 2018 by running the 100m in 10.99 seconds, placing her among the top U20 women in history. This performance set the stage for her continued rise in the sport.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Terry is highly accomplished academically. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Southern California and went on to complete master’s degrees in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Throughout her academic career, she maintained a GPA of over 3.5, demonstrating her discipline and ability to balance both her studies and athletics.
Her dual success in both academics and sports reflects her dedication and commitment to excellence. With her future goals set on even greater achievements, Terry continues to inspire with her determination and focus.