McKenzie Long’s journey to becoming one of the fastest collegiate sprinters in history has been defined by resilience and dedication. From her early days in high school, Long showed promise as a standout athlete, as the Ohio Indoor State Champion over 60m. Even then, she was known not just for her talent but for her hard work, qualities that laid the foundation for her remarkable college career. However, behind her impressive achievements lies a series of challenges that have only strengthened her resolve. Losing her mother unexpectedly in January was a pivotal moment in Long’s life. At a crossroads, Long could have stepped away from track and field, but she chose instead to honour her mother’s memory by pushing forward toward her dreams.
Long’s strength in the face of personal loss is mirrored by her determination to overcome physical setbacks as well. During her time at NC State, she suffered a serious hip injury that kept her off the track for nearly a year. Missing both the 2021 outdoor and 2022 indoor seasons, she faced a challenging period of recovery. However, Long returned stronger than ever in May 2022, setting an NC State record in the 200m with an impressive time of 23.00 seconds.
Fuelled by the memory of her mother and her passion for the sport, Long transferred to the University of Mississippi, where she made history. In 2023, she claimed the SEC Championship in the 200m, firmly establishing herself as one of the country’s top sprinters. Her crowning achievement came at the 2024 NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships, where she achieved a rare sweep, winning titles in the 100m, 200m, and the 4×100 relay. This remarkable accomplishment elevated Ole Miss to elite status in the world of collegiate track and field, and Long joined the ranks of only a few athletes who have ever achieved this feat.
Long’s journey epitomises the mission of TrackGirlz, empowering young girls in sports. TrackGirlz believes in fostering a community of strength, mentorship, and sisterhood among young female athletes.
BRAVE UP! Values: Embracing Courage and Leadership
In every race, Long shows what it means to BRAVE UP!—a philosophy TrackGirlz instils in girls through our programming. BRAVE UP! is about being courageous, bold, and relentless, whether stepping onto the track, into the classroom, or into the boardroom.
At the NCAA championships, Long shared that she speaks to her mom every day, and in her final race, she told her, “Mom, this is my last race, push me through”—and she felt her mom’s presence in that moment. That emotional connection fueled her later in the season as well; she crossed the finish line at the USA Olympic Trials, securing her spot on the Olympic team.
When Long made the Olympic team, she achieved the dream she and her mom had envisioned together. Long’s qualification was not just about a personal victory; it was the culmination of years of sacrifice, loss, and resilience. In Paris, she went on to place 7th in the 200m, a remarkable achievement that further solidified her place among the world’s elite sprinters.
For young girls watching Long, her journey illustrates that no dream is out of reach. Her success on the track, especially in the face of loss, is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you BRAVE UP and pursue your dreams with passion and perseverance. TrackGirlz is proud to stand beside Long as she steps onto the global stage, where her strength, courage, and grace continue to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams—no matter the hurdles in their path.
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