U.S. Olympian Lolo Jones Competes At Trials For First Time In 12 Years

06/29/2024 11:51 AM

Lolo Jones competed in the 100-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials on Friday. It was the first time she's done that in 12 years.

Unfortunately for Jones, her return to the track wasn't a triumphant one. She clocked in at 14.86 seconds. 

Obviously, Jones wasn't pleased with her time at Hayward Field. That being said, she's hopeful her presence inspired those at the trials to strive for a long career. 

At 41 years old, Jones is the oldest athlete to qualify for the U.S. trials. 

"It's not the time I wanted," Jones said, via CNN. "I know what it's like not to make the Olympic team … You sometimes feel your world is over in your 20s if you don't make a team. I hope to show them you can still be in your 40s and be good enough to qualify for the Olympic trials. I hope these kids can see me and be like, you know what? My world's not ending if I don't make this Olympic team. There's longevity."

We think it's important to note that Jones hasn't competed in an event since April due to injury. For that reason, she called Friday's trials the "most terrifying thing" she's ever done.   

Jones has been a prominent name in the sports world for years, and rightfully so. She represented the United States on the track for the Summer Olympics in 2008 and was part of the national bobsled team for the 2014 Winter Olympics. 

Fans will get to watch Jones compete in this Saturday's semifinals. Maybe, just maybe, she'll shock the world. 

Related: Photo: U.S. Track Star's Sisters Go Viral Before Summer Olympics