When you meet Mechelle Lewis Freeman, you quickly realize that her story is one of resilience, authenticity and vision. A 2008 U.S. Olympian, World Champion, Pan American Games medalist, and now a successful nonprofit founder, Freeman has dedicated her life to breaking barriers both on and off the track.
Raised in Fort Washington, Maryland, Freeman grew up surrounded by sports. Alongside her twin sister, she excelled in basketball and soccer before a high school track coach recognized her potential. That chance encounter set the stage for a career that would take her to the world’s biggest sporting stage, the Olympic Games in Beijing.
At Oxon Hill High School, Freeman became a Maryland state record holder, a regional champion, and an All-Metropolitan selection, while also thriving academically and musically. Her athletic and academic excellence earned her a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina, where she became a three-time All-American and helped lead her team to the school’s first-ever national championship in any sport. She graduated with honors, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mass Communications.
However, Freeman’s journey was not without setbacks. After injuries interrupted her collegiate career, she stepped away from track and field to work at the prestigious advertising agency Young & Rubicam in New York City. But her competitive spirit drew her back to the sport, and in 2007 she captured two Pan American silver medals and a World Championship title. A year later, she represented Team USA in the 4 × 100-meter relay at the Beijing Olympics.
While her athletic achievements are remarkable, it is Freeman’s commitment to empowering others that truly defines her legacy. In 2015, she founded TrackGirlz, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping girls with the health, academic, and social tools they need to succeed through track and field.
TrackGirlz addresses a critical issue: by age 14, girls drop out of sports twice as often as boys, often due to social stigma, lack of access, safety concerns, and limited role models. Through mentorship, grants, and community programs, TrackGirlz has awarded over $65,000 in support, connected over 50 girls directly with Olympians and world-class coaches, and continues to grow their global audience, a community that now totals more than 42,000 followers. The organization has received major support from foundations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation, Finish Line Foundation, and Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation.
For Freeman, the mission is personal. Her work with TrackGirlz is a natural extension of her life’s journey: using her platform to inspire confidence, break down barriers, and create pathways for young women to thrive.
Today, Freeman continues to expand her impact through her personal brand MF100. Designed to elevate an athlete’s performance, share knowledge, and build community. Be on the lookout for upcoming updates and how you can connect with the world renowned coach and owner.
As we celebrate Black Business Month, Mechelle Lewis Freeman stands as a shining example of what it means to lead with vision, purpose, and of course heart. From Olympic gold to grassroots mentorship, she continues to prove that the finish line is never the end, but the beginning of the next race to change the world.
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