Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the 2020 Olympic 100m hurdles champion, has recently opened up about her decision to represent Puerto Rico rather than the United States, despite being born and raised in South Carolina. A choice that has significantly shaped her successful career in track and field, Camacho-Quinn’s story is one of heritage, pride, and an undeniable connection to the island of Puerto Rico.
Although born in the U.S., Camacho-Quinn’s mother, María Milagros Camacho, is Puerto Rican, and that connection has always been an important part of her identity. While many athletes in the U.S. may take the traditional route of competing for Team USA, Camacho-Quinn felt an intrinsic bond with Puerto Rico and chose to compete for the island nation instead. It was a decision that would influence the trajectory of her career and cement her as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Her decision was influenced by a conversation with her coach, Endrick Floreal, during her freshman year at the University of Kentucky in 2016. Floreal, who had an understanding of Camacho-Quinn’s Puerto Rican roots, suggested that she could compete for Puerto Rico. Camacho-Quinn recalls, “Flo [her coach] told me, ‘Jas, you know you can run for Puerto Rico too.’ I have a Puerto Rican mom, so it’s not like it’s not there.”
Growing up, Camacho-Quinn had a unique path in track and field. Unlike many American athletes who participate in extensive youth track systems, she had a more limited exposure to the sport, competing only during the high school season from February to May, without summer or indoor track experience. This made her decision to represent Puerto Rico even more significant, as she had not followed the typical development path of many of her peers.
When the opportunity to represent Puerto Rico was presented, Camacho-Quinn didn’t hesitate. She turned to her parents for guidance, with her mother being fully supportive of the decision. Her father, while not having a strong preference, gave her his blessing, saying, “Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you.” With the support of her family, the decision was made swiftly. “Literally the next day, I just had to sign paperwork, and I was good to go,” she said.
Since that pivotal moment, Camacho-Quinn has etched her name into Puerto Rican history. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she won the gold medal in the 100m hurdles, stunning the world with her performance and setting an Olympic record of 12.26 seconds in the semifinals one of the fastest times in history. Her Olympic victory marked a new chapter in Puerto Rico’s track and field legacy, making her the first Puerto Rican to win an Olympic gold in track and field.
Camacho-Quinn’s success continued in subsequent years, with a bronze at the 2022 World Championships and a silver at the 2023 World Championships. She also added another bronze to her collection at the 2024 Paris Olympics, solidifying her as one of the most successful athletes in Puerto Rican history. Her achievement made her the only Puerto Rican athlete to win multiple Olympic medals, further endearing her to her fellow Puerto Ricans.
Throughout her career, Camacho-Quinn has remained fiercely proud of her Puerto Rican roots. In 2021, she made a powerful statement on social media, affirming her identity and connection to the island. “You see my mommy? The PUERTO RICAN woman that birthed me?” she tweeted, demonstrating her pride in her heritage. In a video for the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee, she simply stated, “I am Puerto Rican,” making it clear that her choice to represent the island nation was not just a matter of competition but one of deep personal significance.
Though she grew up in the U.S., Camacho-Quinn’s embrace of her Puerto Rican heritage has been evident in her accomplishments both on and off the track. With each victory, she brings glory to Puerto Rico, proving that her decision to represent the island was not just about her athletic career but also about honoring her heritage and giving back to the people who shaped her.
