A Hurdler’s Quest for Glory
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Puerto Rico’s sprint hurdles sensation, took a bold step toward her second Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. On August 9, 2024, she blazed through the women’s 100m hurdles semifinal with a season-best 12.35 seconds, securing her spot in the final. Her journey, marked by resilience, cultural pride, and sheer athletic prowess, captivated fans at Stade de France and beyond.
From Charleston to Paris: A Champion’s Roots
Early Days in South Carolina
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 21, 1996, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn grew up with athletics in her blood. Her parents, James Quinn and María Milagros Camacho, were track stars at Charleston Southern University, with her father a hurdler and her mother a sprinter and long jumper. Jasmine’s early love was gymnastics, but by middle school, she pivoted to track, finding her calling in hurdles under her father’s coaching.
Choosing Puerto Rico
Jasmine’s decision to represent Puerto Rico, her mother’s homeland, was deeply personal. “My mom was so excited when I chose Puerto Rico,” she told reporters, reflecting her pride in her heritage. This choice, rooted in family ties to Trujillo Alto, has made her a national hero, culminating in her role as Puerto Rico’s flag bearer at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.
The Road to Paris 2024
Tokyo 2020: A Historic Triumph
In Tokyo 2020, Camacho-Quinn made history as the first Puerto Rican woman to win an Olympic track and field gold, clocking 12.37 seconds in the 100m hurdles. Her semifinal time of 12.26 seconds set an Olympic record, showcasing her dominance. The victory was a redemption after a heartbreaking stumble in the Rio 2016 semifinals, where she fell in tears after hitting a hurdle.
Building Momentum in 2024
The 2024 season saw Camacho-Quinn in top form. She kicked off with a 12.48-second win at the Doha Diamond League and later ran 12.39 seconds at the FBK Games in the Netherlands. Her victory at the Spitzen Leichtathletik Luzern meet (12.44 seconds) just before the Olympics signaled she was ready to defend her title.
Paris 2024: The Semifinal Showdown
Dominating the Heats
On August 7, 2024, Camacho-Quinn opened her Olympic title defense with a blazing 12.42 seconds in the 100m hurdles heats, the fastest time of the day. She outpaced Britain’s Cindy Sember by three-tenths of a second, sending a clear message to rivals like Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan and American Masai Russell. “I just wanted to go out there and enjoy myself,” she said post-race.
Semifinal Brilliance
In the semifinals on August 9, Camacho-Quinn delivered a season-best 12.35 seconds, winning her heat over Masai Russell (12.42) and Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent (12.44). Despite a “rushed” race, as she described it, her performance was a testament to her experience and focus. The U.S. trio of Alaysha Johnson (12.34), Grace Stark (12.39), and Russell posed a formidable challenge, setting the stage for a thrilling final.
The Final: A Bronze Medal Battle
A Costly Hesitation
On August 10, 2024, Camacho-Quinn lined up in lane seven for the 100m hurdles final. A near false start threw her off, as she later admitted: “I almost false-started. I was hesitant. That cost me the race.” Despite the setback, she powered through, finishing third with a time of 12.36 seconds, just 0.03 seconds behind gold medalist Masai Russell (12.33) and 0.02 behind France’s Cyrena Samba-Mayela (12.34). Her bronze made her the only Puerto Rican with two Olympic medals.
Celebrating Kentucky Connections
The final was a showcase of University of Kentucky talent, with Camacho-Quinn, Russell, and volunteer coach Devynne Charlton (sixth place, 12.56) all tied to the Wildcats. “Another Kentucky graduate won,” Camacho-Quinn said with a smile, proud of Russell’s gold. The race highlighted the program’s strength, with nearly half the field connected to UK.
Comparing the Top Contenders
| Athlete | Country | Time (Final) | Medal | Season Best (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Russell | USA | 12.33 | Gold | 12.25 |
| Cyrena Samba-Mayela | France | 12.34 | Silver | 12.31 |
| Jasmine Camacho-Quinn | Puerto Rico | 12.36 | Bronze | 12.35 |
| Alaysha Johnson | USA | 12.44 | 4th | 12.34 |
Pros of Camacho-Quinn’s Performance: Consistent speed, strong semifinal showing, historic second Olympic medal for Puerto Rico.
Cons: Hesitation at the start cost her a potential gold, faced stiff U.S. competition.
Pros of Russell’s Performance: Fastest 2024 time globally, clutch performance in the final.
Cons: Limited Olympic experience compared to Camacho-Quinn.
What Makes Camacho-Quinn a Hurdling Star?
Technical Mastery
Camacho-Quinn’s hurdling technique is a blend of speed and precision. Her ability to glide over barriers with minimal disruption to her stride sets her apart. At 5’2”, her compact frame and explosive power allow her to attack hurdles aggressively, a skill honed during her NCAA championship days at Kentucky.
Mental Resilience
Her journey reflects remarkable mental strength. After crashing out in Rio 2016, she battled injuries in 2017 but rebounded to dominate in Tokyo. In Paris, despite the near false start, she stayed composed to secure bronze. “It’s OK,” she said post-race. “I’m grateful for another medal.”
The Emotional Weight of Her Journey
I’ll never forget watching Camacho-Quinn’s Tokyo 2020 final with my family, cheering as she crossed the line for Puerto Rico’s second-ever Olympic gold. Her tears of joy mirrored my own, a reminder of how sports can unite us across borders. In Paris, her bronze felt just as meaningful—not just for her, but for every Puerto Rican cheering her on. Her story, from a Charleston kid to a global star, is the kind of tale that makes you believe in dreams.
Post-Paris Success and Future Plans
Diamond League Dominance
After Paris, Camacho-Quinn continued her stellar season. She won the Zurich Diamond League and Brussels Diamond League, both with times of 12.36 seconds, and triumphed at the inaugural Athlos meet on September 26, 2024, with another 12.36. These victories underscored her consistency and hunger for more.
Grand Slam Track Commitment
In September 2024, Camacho-Quinn signed on for the inaugural season of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league in 2025, joining Paris podium finishers Russell and Samba-Mayela. Competing in both the 100m hurdles and 100m flat, she’ll leverage her Puerto Rican record of 11.22 seconds in the 100m to chase the $100,000 prize.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Inspiring Puerto Rico
As Puerto Rico’s flag bearer and only two-time Olympic medalist, Camacho-Quinn has become a cultural icon. Her tweet in July 2021, “You see my mommy? The PUERTO RICAN woman that birthed me?” captured her pride and resonated with fans. She’s a role model for young athletes, especially in the Caribbean, proving that small islands can produce global stars.
A Family Affair
Her family’s support has been her backbone. Her brother, NFL star Robert Quinn, and her parents’ athletic legacy fuel her drive. In Paris, with her family in the stands—unlike the restricted Tokyo Games—she felt their energy. “It’s honestly amazing,” she said, noting their presence gave her an extra boost.
Tools and Resources for Fans
Where to Watch Highlights
- Olympics.com: Offers replays, athlete profiles, and live streams (with territorial restrictions).
- NBC Olympics: Features full event coverage, interviews, and highlights for U.S. viewers.
- Peacock: Streams Paris 2024 events on-demand, perfect for catching Camacho-Quinn’s races.
- Caribbean Focus Sports: YouTube channel for Caribbean-specific coverage, including her top 2024 performances.
Best Apps for Tracking Results
- Official Olympics App: Real-time results, schedules, and medal tallies.
- NBC Sports App: Detailed breakdowns of track and field events.
- World Athletics App: Athlete stats, race recaps, and upcoming events.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
Who is Jasmine Camacho-Quinn?
Jasmine Camacho-Quinn is a Puerto Rican track and field athlete specializing in the 100m hurdles. She won gold at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, becoming Puerto Rico’s only two-time Olympic medalist.
What was Camacho-Quinn’s time in the Paris 2024 100m hurdles final?
She ran 12.36 seconds, earning bronze behind Masai Russell (12.33) and Cyrena Samba-Mayela (12.34).
Why does she represent Puerto Rico?
Born in South Carolina, Camacho-Quinn represents Puerto Rico through her mother’s heritage from Trujillo Alto. She chose to honor her family’s roots and compete for the island.
Did she win gold in Paris 2024?
No, she won bronze in the 100m hurdles, but her performance was historic as Puerto Rico’s second Olympic medal in the event.
Where can I find her race replays?
Check Olympics.com, NBCOlympics.com, or Peacock for full replays and highlights of her Paris 2024 races.
FAQ Section
Q: What was Jasmine Camacho-Quinn’s best time in 2024?
A: Her season-best was 12.35 seconds in the Paris 2024 100m hurdles semifinal. She also ran 12.36 multiple times, including the Olympic final and Diamond League races.
Q: How many Olympic medals has she won?
A: She has two: gold in Tokyo 2020 (100m hurdles) and bronze in Paris 2024 (100m hurdles).
Q: What happened in her Paris 2024 final?
A: A near false start disrupted her rhythm, costing her a potential gold. She still secured bronze with a 12.36-second finish.
Q: What’s next for Camacho-Quinn?
A: She’ll compete in the 2025 Grand Slam Track league, racing in the 100m hurdles and 100m flat against top hurdlers like Russell and Samba-Mayela.
Q: How can fans follow her career?
A: Track her races on WorldAthletics.org, follow @JirieCaribbean on X for Caribbean sports updates, or subscribe to Caribbean Focus Sports on YouTube.
Why Her Journey Resonates
Camacho-Quinn’s Paris 2024 campaign wasn’t just about chasing gold—it was about legacy. From her near-miss in Rio to her triumph in Tokyo and her gritty bronze in Paris, she’s shown what it means to persevere. Her pride in representing Puerto Rico, her family’s unwavering support, and her ability to smile through setbacks make her a champion beyond the track. As she gears up for 2025, the world will be watching, ready for more of her electrifying performances.
