Olympic Medalist Melissa Jefferson Sets Historic 100m Time at Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, Marries Rolan Wooden II in “Dream Come True” Wedding Attended by 5000 guests on June 2 in Winter Park, Florida…
WINTER PARK, FL – June 2, 2025 – In a week that showcased both speed and love, Olympic medalist Melissa Jefferson added a remarkable chapter to her career and personal life.
On June 2, Jefferson married longtime partner Rolan Wooden II in an elegant, star-studded ceremony attended by over 5,000 guests in Winter Park, Florida—just days after she made history with a record-breaking 100-meter sprint at the Grand Slam Track meet in Philadelphia.
Jefferson, 24, stunned the track and field world on May 30 with a jaw-dropping 100m finish of 10.64 seconds, making it the fastest time recorded by a female sprinter this year and one of the top-five fastest times in history. The performance solidified her status as a world-class athlete and major contender heading into the 2025 World Championships and next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“I felt something special in my legs that day,” Jefferson said after her run. “It was like I was being pulled forward by something greater—maybe the joy I knew was waiting for me this week.”
That joy was fully realized on Sunday when Jefferson walked down the aisle in an ethereal, custom-designed gown, joining hands with Rolan Wooden II, a software engineer and fellow South Carolina native, in what guests described as a “fairy tale wedding under the stars.”
The wedding, held at the Winter Park Events Pavilion, featured lavish floral arrangements, live gospel and R&B performances, and an atmosphere of pure celebration. Over 5,000 attendees, including track and field legends, Olympic teammates, and celebrities from across sports and entertainment, came to witness the union.
Jefferson’s bridesmaids included fellow sprinters and training partners, while Wooden’s groomsmen featured former college football teammates and friends from his tech career. The couple exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony that blended modern elegance with Southern charm.
“Today is not just about Melissa and me,” said Wooden during his speech at the reception. “It’s about believing that love, discipline, and faith can take you anywhere—whether that’s the finish line or forever.”
The reception, catered by celebrity chef Carla Hall, featured a Southern-inspired menu, complete with Jefferson’s favorite dish—shrimp and grits. The newlyweds shared their first dance to Beyoncé’s “Love On Top,” under a canopy of twinkling lights and roaring applause.
In her toast, Jefferson thanked her family, coach, and husband for their constant support. “Winning medals is great, but being surrounded by people who truly love you—nothing compares to that,” she said, teary-eyed.
With her record-setting run and dream wedding, Melissa Jefferson has not only sprinted into history books but also into a new chapter of her life—one where gold medals and golden memories go hand in hand.
As she returns to training later this month, the newly married Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has made it clear: her race is far from over—and now, she’s running with love by her side.
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