Maia Alyse McCoy (born 9 December 1996) is an American sprinter, who currently represents Liberia.[2]
Early life
Maia Alyse McCoy was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She grew up playing basketball but was convinced to run track in high school. She attended Whitehaven High School. McCoy attended the University of Tennessee where she earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism. She continued her education at the same institution, completing a master's degree in Communication and Information with a concentration in Journalism.
In high school, McCoy was the Tennessee's State Champion in the 100-meter dash from 2013 to 2014 and 200 meters from 2013 to 2015. She won the Pepsi Best of the Preps title, presented by the Commercial Appeal at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, in 2013, 2014, and 2015. McCoy became the first person, male or female, to win the prestigious award three consecutive years. She was also chosen as the girls' Athlete of the Year for public schools.[3]
During her time at the University of Tennessee, McCoy had an impressive track and field career. She finished her five-year Lady Vol career ranking third in program history in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.12 seconds and ninth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.00 seconds. She reached the semi-finals of the 100-meter dash at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, placing 15th overall with a time of 11.16 seconds.In addition, McCoy was decorated in bronze medals at the SEC Championships through 2019–2021, earning third-place finishes in both the 60m, 100 and 200m dashes.[4]
In 2024, McCoy accepted the opportunity to represent Liberia in international competitions, despite having no prior connection to the country. She was able to compete for Liberia due to the country's initiative to bolster its athletic program by recruiting talented athletes from around the world. McCoy's decision to represent Liberia allowed her to compete at more highly ranked competitions and gain international experience. She became the All African Games 2024 silver medalist in the 100 meters and she also led the Liberian 4 x 100-meter relay team to silver at All African Games. In June 2024, she won silver in the 100 metres at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon.[7][8][9][10][11]
Personal life
Maia Alyse McCoy was raised by her parents Joe and Marla McCoy in Memphis, TN. She is known for her creativity in creating fashionable track competition outfits using pieces from Rihanna's athletic and lounge wear brand, Savage X Fenty. She collaborated with a Memphis seamstress, Timone Robinson. McCoy's innovative designs caught the attention of Savage X Fenty, who admired her creativity and appointed her as a brand ambassador.
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