TRACKGIRLZ lives by our seven core values that truly define what it means to be a TrackGirl: Bold, Resilient, Authenticity, Vision, Excellence, Unity and Poise. Together they stand for BRAVE UP! This is our call for girls to stand up for themselves, their beliefs and others.
The Sisterhood Spotlight selects a female athlete who embodies these values to showcase weekly.
In celebration of the Olympics, we at TrackGirlz are honoring those exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport we love. These are the athletes and mentors who have not only excelled in competition but have also dedicated themselves to nurturing the next generation of track and field stars.
This week we have the privilege of highlighting someone truly special – a woman whose impact resonates both on and off the track. She’s an Olympian, a World Champion, and the visionary founder of TrackGirlz. We’re thrilled to share the journey of none other than our very own Mechelle Lewis-Freeman.
Lewis-Freeman’s story is one of passion and purpose. From her early days as a promising young athlete to her triumphant moments on the world stage, and now as a dedicated mentor and advocate for young girls in sport, she’s transformed her love for track and field into a powerful movement, empowering girls across the nation to reach for their dreams on the track and in life.
Growing up in Fort-Washington, Maryland, Lewis-Freeman and her twin sister were dynamos of energy. Their summers were filled with the squeak of sneakers on basketball courts during AAU tournaments, while fall brought the thrill of soccer championships for the Oxon Hill Boys & Girls Club.
It was during a mandatory 8th-grade track meet that the twins’ talent caught the attention of a high school coach – a track coach. He said, “You should run track when you get to high school. I have a good feeling you’ll do well.”
And well they did. At Oxon Hill High School, Lewis-Freeman’s athletic prowess truly began to shine. She didn’t just run track; she dominated. Setting the Maryland state record in the 55m with a blazing time of 6.94 seconds, Lewis-Freeman held this title for three impressive years. Her accolades piled up: 300m regional champion, three-time MVP for indoor and outdoor track, and a fixture on the All-County and All-Metropolitan teams.
It wasn’t just individual success, either. Lewis-Freeman’s 4x400m relay team claimed the state title for three consecutive years and even placed third at the National High School Indoor Track & Field Championships in 1997.
With a full scholarship, the University of South Carolina became the twins’ home for the next chapter of their lives. As a three-time All-American in the 60m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, Lewis-Freeman left her mark on Gamecock Athletics. She held the school record in the 55m for two years with a time of 6.84 seconds.
2002 was a banner year for Lewis-Freeman, with her team bringing home the first national championship in any sport to her school. As the 2004 Olympics approached, however, a bad hamstring injury threw her plans astray. Graduating cum laude, Lewis-Freeman decided to pursue a career in advertising. She found herself working at the New York advertising agency Young & Rubicam, but the track kept calling.
After two years in the corporate world, Lewis-Freeman made the courageous decision to return to her first love. Relocating to North Carolina, years after she had last run competitively, she committed herself fully to training, fighting through injuries and setbacks.
In 2007, Lewis-Freeman won 4x100m gold at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan, and took home two silver medals from the Pan American Games, the 100m and 4x100m. Finally, her hard work and dedication culminated in her selection to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Sponsored by Nike and Young & Rubicam, Lewis-Freeman competed in the 4x100m relay alongside USA teammates Angela Williams, Torri Edwards, and Lauryn Williams.
While the team faced disappointment with a disqualification after a missed hand-off in the semifinal, Lewis-Freeman’s Olympic journey was about more than just the results. It was the realization of her dream and leap of faith. The experience of being an Olympian, of representing her country on the world’s biggest stage, would shape Lewis-Freeman’s future endeavors and fuel her passion for mentoring the next generation of track stars.
In fact, she led teams to record-breaking and gold medal performances at the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. This year, she’s serving as the Head Women’s Relays Coach for the 2024 USA Track & Field Olympic Team in Paris where she hopes to continue to break records.
Lewis-Freeman’s involvement in sport didn’t end on the track. After retiring from competition in 2010 and returning briefly to the advertising world, she thought back to the community organizations that helped raise her and founded TrackGirlz in 2015, dedicated to empowering girls through track and field. The organization’s efforts have since been recognized and supported by major foundations, including the Women’s Sports Foundation, Finish Line Foundation, and Dick’s Sports Foundation.
Lewis-Freeman’s vision for TrackGirlz was to create a supportive community where girls could thrive, both as athletes and individuals. Through mentorship, education, and empowerment, TrackGirlz is shaping the next generation of female leaders, one meet at a time.
Today, we see Lewis-Freeman standing not just as a former world-class athlete but as a mentor and leader. Her expertise and passion have been recognized at the highest levels of the sport, as she now serves as a coach for the Olympic Women’s Relays Squads. In this role, and at TrackGirlz, Mechelle continues to shape the future of track and field, passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of Olympic athletes. Her commitment to always doing what she felt guided to do, and doing it her way, makes her an exemplar for following your vision.
Lewis Freeman’s story reminds us that our greatest achievements are often down unexpected paths. As TrackGirlz continues to grow and inspire, and as Mechelle guides future Olympians, we’re proud to see her legacy in track and field extend far beyond any finish line she’s ever crossed.
Leave a Reply