The Olympics have come to an end, and one HBCU graduate has her first Olympic gold medal as a part of Team USA.
Quanera Hayes won a gold medal as part of Team USA’s victory in the 4x400m women’s relay. Hayes ran a 51.27 split on the first leg to help the team advance to the gold medal round.
Her journey to international success began at Livingstone College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Salisbury, North Carolina. During her time at Livingstone, Hayes showcased her exceptional talent, becoming a standout performer in the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) and earning multiple conference titles.
Hayes’ dominance on the track at the collegiate level paved the way for her professional career. After graduating from Livingstone, she transitioned smoothly into the professional circuit, quickly making her mark. She won her first U.S. National Championship in 2017, establishing herself as one of the top 400-meter runners in the country.
She qualified for the Tokyo Olympics by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400 meters, edging out Alyison Felix. She finished seventh at the Olympics in Tokyo.
Throughout her career, Quanera Hayes has been an inspiration, especially to young athletes from HBCUs. Her success has highlighted the competitive opportunities at HBCUs and underscored the ability of these institutions to develop world-class athletes. Hayes continues to be a prominent figure in track and field, representing the strength, resilience, and excellence of HBCU athletes on the global stage. And now she has a gold medal from the Paris Olympics.