Sprinter McKenzie Long inspired by his late mother – Orange County Register

McKenzie Long wins a heat in the women’s 200 meters during the U.S. Olympic track and field team trials Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

EUGENE, Ore. — It’s a reflex, the muscle memory of an unevolved soul, an automatic reaction, really.

And why wouldn’t it be?

For 23 years, Tara Jones was always there for her daughter McKenzie Long. Why wouldn’t she be now? Especially now?

So over the past month, the month in which she became America’s next great sprinter, Long has repeatedly turned around to say something to her mother, picked up her phone to share her joy. And his blues. Brief moments, this blink of an eye between the past and cold reality, remind him that his mind has still not caught up with his broken heart.

One night in February, Jones fell asleep and never woke up, suffering a heart attack at age 45.

Jones’ death comes just as Long, competing for Ole Miss, was on the verge of one of the most dominant sprinting seasons in college history and establishing herself as a legitimate contender for an Olympic medal in the 200 meters.

Long swept the 100 and 200 titles and competed in the victorious 4×100 relay at the NCAA championships earlier this month. His 200m winning time of 21.83 seconds is the fastest time in the world this year by more than two tenths of a second. It was a weekend full of moments that Long wanted to share with his mother.

There were other moments during the Olympic Trials at Hayward Field. Like when Long was unexpectedly eliminated in the 100 semifinals on Saturday night. Or Thursday, when Long won his first heat of the 200 in 22.49.

Sha’Carri Richardson, the 100m winner earlier in the trials, led all qualifiers with a time of 21.99. Gabby Thomas, the World Championship silver and Olympic bronze medalist, won her heat in 22.11.

“Nationals was a big event, because you know I won three times, it happened so fast, it was a blur,” Long said. “Honestly, I don’t even remember how that match went, other than the fact that I won. But, yeah, it was one of those moments where I really wish I could call him. »

Long pause for a moment.

“When I first put on that pro team uniform, I was like, I really wish she could see me in my pro uniform,” Long said of looking at her adidas kit, after signing with the German shoe company after the NCAAs. “So yeah, I definitely don’t want to stop including her in this track world. Even in the pro world, I want to include her in every way I can. And that’s what keeps me going and keeps me motivated.”

Long’s determination first showed at North Carolina State when she returned from a hip injury that sidelined her for 12 months until the 2021 outdoor and 2022 indoor seasons. The injury was so severe that at one point doctors thought she might need a hip replacement.

After transferring to Ole Miss, she gained national attention with a wind-aided 10.80-second 100m at the Texas Relays in March 2023.

Through it all, the days of pain and the days she ran against the wind, Jones was there for her, nourishing her, pushing her.

“She always told me that you have to make your voice heard, that you have to learn to talk to yourself,” Long said. “That’s what I’m experiencing now and it’s a different feeling too.

“At the beginning of my career transition, it was weird because my mother wanted to be involved in all the practical aspects. And it’s hard because I was just like, “Mom, what do you think about this?” But it also allowed me to grow, to express myself. »

Long was asked if she thought about what her mother would think if she suited up for Team USA at the Paris Olympics later this summer.

“I did it,” she said. “I think it’s going to be another monumental moment, for sure.”