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Terry, who helped Team USA claim gold in the 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has explained why the rivalry between Jamaica and USA in sprinting has redefined the sport.
Twanisha 'Tee Tee' Terry, the Olympic gold medalist and rising star in American sprinting, has opened up about her views on the long-standing rivalry between the United States and Jamaica in track and field.
The Miami native, fresh from the Paris Olympic Games, returned to South Florida with gold in hand after an electrifying performance in the women’s 4x100m relay alongside teammates Sha’Carri Richardson, Mellisa Jefferson, and Gabby Thomas.
Despite the intensity of the competition, Terry, who has been racing professionally since 2022 under coach Dennis Mitchell, revealed that she enjoys being part of this epic sprint rivalry. Having already secured two world titles in the 4x100m relay, she is no stranger to high-stakes competition.
The Olympic sprinter also placed fifth in the 100m final in Paris, competing against some of the world’s best, including athletes from Jamaica, a nation known for its sprinting dominance.
Reflecting on the fierce competition between the two countries, Terry recalled her admiration for Jamaican legends like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson, whom she watched growing up.
“I enjoy it. I have fans that are also Jamaican, and they let me know, ‘Hey, I’m Jamaican, but I love you!’” Terry said in a recent interview on The OG’s podcast.
Terry emphasized that the rivalry has been a part of track and field for generations, crediting trailblazers like Merlene Ottey, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Evelyn Ashford for paving the way. “It’s a great rivalry, and it’s always been there.
"The OGs paved the way—Merlene Ottey, Flo Jo, Evelyn Ashford—they dominated their time and made space for us to come behind them,” she explained.
As the baton passes to a new generation of sprinters, Terry is excited about the future. “You had Jamaica with Shelly-Ann, Elaine, Shericka... now with the younger side coming through, you’ve got Allana Reed, the Clayton twins."
"On the USA side, there’s Mellisa (Jefferson), Sha’Carri (Richardson), and myself,” she added, pointing to the bright young talents in both countries.
While the rivalry can be fierce, Terry was quick to stress that it’s a healthy competition, noting that athletes maintain mutual respect on and off the track.
“I feel the rivalry will always be there, but as long as it is, the athletes and fans will enjoy it. However, I think it goes out of hand more amongst the fans than the athletes. You see us shaking hands and hugging after the race—it’s a very healthy rivalry,” Terry concluded.
For Terry, being part of this historic USA-Jamaica rivalry is not just about winning medals but also about pushing each other to greater heights, continuing the legacy set by the legends before her.
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