Melissa Jefferson-Wooden

Melissa Jefferson-Woodens is a five-time world champion sprinter and earned gold and bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A nominee for the 2026 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award, Jefferson-Wooden is also a record breaker, becoming the first American woman to sweep the 100-meter and 200-meter races at the world championships.

Outside of her sport, the athlete has partnered with many major brands over the years, collaborating with names like Colgate, Drip, Nike, NBC, Athlos and more. She’s also an avid gamer, recently starting her own Twitch channel where she plays Call of Duty and other games.

Joining SI Swimsuit for the first time, Jefferson-Wooden trekked to the Sunshine State with the magazine for the 2026 issue. On the beaches of Captiva Island, just off the coast of Fort Myers, the athlete was photographed by Katherine Goguen as a featured athlete.