839. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, 3-Time World Championship Gold Medalist

"I do want to be the greatest to ever do it in our sport. And I mean that wholeheartedly. I genuinely feel like it's something that I can do, and something I've been called to do. In due time it is going to happen. But it is going to start with me taking it one day, one practice, one meet at a time."

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has had the year of her dreams. At this year's World Championships in Tokyo, Melissa became the first American in history to win triple gold, winning the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. She became the first American woman since Allyson Felix in 2009 to win the 200m at World Championships, and became the first American woman in history to win the 100/200 double at World Championships. Melissa went undefeated in the 100m this entire season, winning Diamond Leagues, Grand Slam Track meets, and, of course, World Champs. Last year, Melissa made her Olympic debut in Paris, where she won bronze in the 100m and gold in the 4x100m relay. In this conversation, Melissa talks about what life is like for the fastest woman in the world.

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In this episode:

• Melissa's honeymoon plans, and how she's feeling after a banner season on the track (2:30)
• What it was like being on The Jennifer Hudson Show (5:25)
• What's making Melissa happy today (10:20)
• What's going through Melissa's head when she's in the blocks (13:00)
• Melissa's mantra: One Day, One Practice, One Meet at a Time (14:50)
• All about Melissa's "hero's welcome" after flying home from Tokyo (21:15)
• Melissa's take on track fashion (23:45)
• On running as a team sport (29:00)
• Melissa recaps her 100m experience at World Championships (36:00)
• How Melissa feels about being a reigning World Champion (41:30)
• All about the 200m Final, including the false start that kicked it off (43:40)
• Melissa's relationship with Allyson Felix (51:15)
• Melissa reflects on her "introductory year," and reflects on her early Olympic dreams (56:50)

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