PARIS, France (August 5, 2024) — Howard University standout Jessika Gbai, representing the Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast),reached the final round at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, running a new personal best (22.36) in the 200-meter dash.
Despite finishing third in her heat, the former All-American ran one of the fastest non-automatic qualifying times, edging out France’s Helene Parisot personal best (22.55).
USA’s Gabrielle Thomas registered the fastest time in the semi-final round, producing a 21.86.
Tuesday’s (Aug. 6) final is scheduled for 3:40 p.m. (ET) / 9:40 p.m. CEST (Central European Summer Time).
Jessika Gbai had a remarkable track and field career at Howard University, making significant strides on both national and international stages. A standout sprinter, Gbai specialized in the 200m and 100m events, consistently performing at a high level. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in Howard’s women’s track team’s resurgence, contributing to their historic sweep of the MEAC indoor and outdoor championships in 2022, ending a drought that lasted over 40 years.
Gbai’s achievements extended beyond collegiate athletics. She represented Côte d’Ivoire in international competitions, including the World Relays Championships, where her team qualified for the Paris Olympics. This accomplishment underscored her versatility and commitment to excellence on the track. Additionally, Gbai was part of Howard’s record-setting 4x400m relay team, which not only set a new school benchmark but also competed at the NCAA Championships, further solidifying her legacy at Howard.
Her journey from a high school athlete in Philadelphia to an Olympian and a key figure in Howard’s track success story exemplifies dedication and skill, marking her as a prominent figure in HBCU athletics and a source of inspiration for future athletes.