"Once I entered doping control I couldn’t leave"- Paris Olympics bronze medalist Melissa Jefferson explains her absence from the press conference

By Marie Amani

Modified Aug 04, 2024 14:00 GMT

Melissa Jefferson and Sha’Carri Richardson were no-shows in the post-race press conference after winning bronze and silver medals in the women’s 100m at the Paris Olympics. Newly crowned Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred was the only athlete who showed up for the press conference.

Following her absence, a fan asked Melissa Jefferson the reason behind her absence in the press conference despite her impeccable performance in a since-deleted tweet on X.

In reply to the fan, Melissa Jefferson explained that she was unaware of the press conference as she had gone to doping control. Once she was there, Jefferson explained that she could not leave, hence missing the press conference.

"Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware about the press conference until I was in doping control. Once I made my way to doping control they made me wait an hour to test, a press conference was mentioned but it was too late," Jefferson wrote (via X).

"Once I entered doping control, I couldn’t leave. And there weren’t enough female DCO’s available for everyone who was there," she added.

Meanwhile, competing in her first-ever Olympic Games, Jefferson completed the podium, clocking a stunning 10.92 to cross the finish line in the women’s 100m final. Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred claimed the win in a national record time of 10.72s with Richardson, the reigning world champion, coming in second in 10.87s.

Jefferson has been impressive this season, being integral in Team USA winning the 4x100m relay gold at the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, Bahamas.

Jefferson then claimed the win at the LA Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold LA Grand Prix meet in May. At the U.S. Olympic trials, the 23-year-old finished second behind Richardson in the women’s 100m final.

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"I don't quit"- Melissa Jefferson reacts to winning bronze medal in Olympic debut

Melissa Jefferson reacts to winning bronze medal in Olympic debut - Source: Getty

Melissa Jefferson reacted following her podium finish at the Paris Olympics where she claimed a bronze medal in the women’s 100m final.

Jefferson finished third behind compatriot Sha'Carri Richardson who is also making her Olympic debut in Paris.

Speaking about her win, Melissa Jefferson took to her X handle to remark on being a two-time world champion and clinching her first Olympic medal. She added that she would never quit on herself and always give her all once she steps on the starting line on any global stage.

"Let’s see, 2x World Champion, Olympic Bronze Medalist, one more pending…I’m glad that I got the support of my village, cause mannnn y’all been going crazy on this app all year 😂, but let’s make one thing clear, I’m a fighter, I don’t quit, and I’ll always give it everything I got 🙌🏽✨," Jefferson said.

She will now shift her focus to the women’s 4x100m relay in hopes of winning her second medal at the Games. The first round will be held on Thursday, August 8 with the final happening on August 9.