The drive to be the best is what separates good athletes from the great ones, and for many, that passion keeps them going no matter the obstacles. However, knowing when to step away is just as important. One athlete who embodied both relentless ambition and the wisdom to retire on her own terms is Jamaican sprint legend Veronica Campbell-Brown.
A decorated sprinter with eight Olympic medals, Campbell-Brown defied expectations in a sport where most athletes peak within five years, competing at the highest level for nearly two decades. Though she originally planned to conclude her career after the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics, an injury at the 2021 Jamaican trials forced her to retire earlier than intended. Despite the setback, she found peace with her decision, sharing in a heartfelt Instagram post on June 23, 2021:
“As I take off my spikes never to put them on again, this girl from Clarks Town walks away happy and contented with a race well run.”
Born and raised in rural Trelawny, Jamaica, Campbell-Brown dreamed of becoming an Olympic champion and she made that dream a reality in just her second Games. After winning silver in the 4×100m relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she secured her first individual gold in the 200m at the 2004 Athens Games. From there, her career took off, earning her three Olympic golds, three World Championship titles, and numerous other accolades that solidified her as one of the greatest sprinters of all time.
Even after reaching the pinnacle of success, she remained hungry for more. She balanced motherhood with professional competition, returning to the track after the birth of her daughter, Avianna, and putting up solid performances, including a season-best 11.20 in the 100m and a notable showing at the 2020 Velocity Fest in Jamaica.
In a conversation with Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green on the ‘Ready Set Go’ podcast, Campbell-Brown reflected on what kept her motivated after achieving her dreams.
“The more I performed well and surprised myself, the more I wanted to see what else I could do. I had to set higher goals and push myself further because maximizing your potential is about never settling. If you stop at your first taste of victory, you might miss out on even greater achievements.”
Despite her numerous records, Campbell-Brown believes she could have gone even faster. She acknowledged that certain technical aspects of her training weren’t refined during her prime years, particularly her starting technique.
“I think I could’ve run 10.6 if everything had aligned, if I had done the right things and my coach had recognized certain areas to improve. But I’m satisfied. I know I gave my best, and I hope my legacy inspires others, including my children, to push themselves in whatever they pursue.”
Her career was marked not only by her incredible speed but also by her resilience and willingness to adapt. In 2009, she moved from Arkansas to Georgia and transitioned from longtime coach Lance Brauman to Tony Carpenter before eventually being coached by her husband, Omar Brown. While coaching changes and a lack of modern technological advancements may have affected her peak performance, she still left an indelible mark on the sport.
Even after retirement, Campbell-Brown remains active, dedicating herself to motherhood, entrepreneurship through VCB FIT, philanthropy via the Veronica Campbell-Brown Foundation, and motivational speaking. Her journey from a small town in Jamaica to global track stardom serves as a testament to her determination and impact.
With eight Olympic medals and personal bests of 10.76 seconds in the 100m and 21.74 seconds in the 200m, she is one of the fastest women in history. Yet, even as she walked away from competition, she carried no regrets only the satisfaction of a career well run.
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