NORCROSS, Ga. — Greater Atlanta Christian School welcomed back a former student on Thursday: Olympian Jasmine Jones.
Jones, a track star, competed in the Paris Olympics, coming in fourth place in the women's 400-meter hurdles final last month. She shared her Olympic journey with the students at GAC.
When the Olympian entered the room, the crowd cheered her on, celebrating her accomplishments. It's something they were also doing while she competed in Paris. Students and staff came together to hold a watch party during the Olympics to watch her race through the track. Jones said she learned about it after she competed.
"It was so sweet to see," she said. "It honestly meant the world."
And being back home, Jones said she's witnessed more support.
"It's been overwhelming in the best way," she said, calling some of the heartwarming moments humbling.
"To be that person for people and to inspire young girls and young boys who are athletes and who are also not."
She reflected on a time when she was in their shoes as a student.
"I just hope everyone who I just met has the best careers ever, and I'm so glad for my part in it," she said."
Before the event closed out, a group gathered to pray over Jones, that she would be a light to others.
More on Jasmine Jones (400m hurdles) - Online bio
Jasmine Jones graduated from the Greater Atlanta Christian School in 2020 and attended the University of Southern California for college.
Jones qualified for the Paris Olympics on June 30 and made the U.S. team in women's 400m hurdles after placing third.
According to USC's profile, she was a 12-time Georgia state individual champion during her high school career. During the 2020 indoor season, she ran 8.12 in the 60m hurdles, which was ranked first in the country among high school athletes and No. 7 in indoor prep history.