COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 30, 2024) – Former South Carolina Track & Field standout, Mechelle Lewis Freeman, has been named the Head Women’s Relays Coach for the 2024 USA Track & Field Olympic Team ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“It is an honor to represent the USA at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games as the Head Women’s Relays Coach for USA Track & Field,” added Freeman. “I look forward to contributing to the impact that global sports has on bringing the world together, especially through the relay events where harmony and teamwork is key.”
Freeman is a USA Olympian, having competed on the 4x100m relay team in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She was named the Head Women’s Relays Coach after leading her teams to record breaking and gold medal performances at the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. Freeman is a graduate of South Carolina where she was a two-time All-American. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Integrated Marking Communications.
Freeman went on to manage advertising and marketing accounts for global brands including Coca-Cola, IBM and Xerox. Just two years before the 2008 Olympic Games, she left corporate America to successfully pursue her Olympic dream. She is the founder of the nonprofit, TrackGirlz, providing girls access to sport, mentorship, and academic resources through track and field empowerment programs, most recently being recognized by ESPNw and Toyota as an “Everyday Hero” for her work for girls through sport. She is a global keynote speaker leading audiences to maximize performance, and is a Sport Diplomat working with the U.S. State Department to empower women and girls around the world.
Fans can also get an in-depth, behind the scenes look with Freeman as she prepares the relay teams for the quest for the gold medal this summer. To follow her journey, just follow her on Instagram @mechellelewisfreeman.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will officially commence with the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26. Track & Field, known simply in the Olympics world as Athletics, will begin on Thursday, Aug. 1 and will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 11.