Jacksonville University rising junior sprinter Mariandree Chacon competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, racing for her home country of Guatemala in the 100-meter dash.
At the Stade de France national stadium, Chacon posted a preliminary time of 11.90, which was good for third in her heat and qualified her for the first round of competition.
In her second race, Chacon placed ninth with a time of 12.06, which ended her Olympic competition.
This was Chacon's first Olympics, and she was the first female to sprint in the event for Guatemala since Christa Schumann-Lottmann ran in the 1984 Los Angeles summer games.
She is also the first Dolphin track and field athlete to have competed at an Olympic event.
For her career, Chacon is a four-time national champion. During her sophomore campaign, Chacon was part of the 4x100 relay group which was an Atlantic Sun East Coast Regional Qualifier. At the ASUN championships, Chacon's 4x100 group posted a time of 44.32, tying the ASUN championship record, breaking the facility record and solidifying a spot in the East Preliminary First Round of the NCAA Championship.
Individually, Chacon was a qualifier for last season's ASUN championships in the 100m and finished fifth in the 200m. Her championship pedigree from the past season and national finishes helped her qualify for Olympic competition.
"I'm incredibly proud of Mariandree for competing in the Olympics," coach Bambi Brundage said. "Watching her dedication and hard work pay off on such a grand stage is truly inspiring. She has represented Guatemala and JU with grace and joy, while showing what perseverance and passion look like."
