What Others Are Saying About Lashinda Demus

Read what former teammates, coaches, and more have to say about U.S. Olympian Lashinda Demus. The quotes list will be updated throughout the day on May 29th.

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Allen Johnson
1996 Atlanta Olympic Gold Medalist (110m hurdles) | Training partner at South Carolina
“We knew she was the Gold Medalist when she crossed the finish line at the Olympics.”

Yolanda Demus
Mom Coach MC | Demus’ Mom
“I was a parent and a coach for Lashinda so I saw both sides. When she was down and didn’t get the gold medal that she worked so hard to accomplish her dream. Now, I get to see her dream come true as a parent and coach to receive her gold medal.”

Dan Corbet
Demus’ Strength Coach from 2009-16
“I had the privilege of working with Lashinda for 7+ years. A fighter is the best way to describe her. She had so many setbacks along the way – most people would have hung up the spikes, but she never did! She continued to persevere and fought back from injuries every time. Many probably don’t even know at the 2012 London Olympics she was at 85% of her peak during the final. That never detoured her from putting on an amazing performance against unfair odds!! I couldn’t be prouder of her, and the way she handled herself in adversity. That speaks even more about her as a person. She is a champion to her core, and I am so happy she is finally getting the honor and recognition she deserves. Go Shindig!!”

Javier Rubinstein
Former Partner at King & Spalding LLP
“Congratulations to Lashinda on her well-deserved and long-overdue Olympic Gold Medal! Lashinda’s medal ceremony at Paris 2024 Games is a testament to her determination, her commitment to fair competition and the protection of athletes’ rights. It has been honor to work with Lashinda to make sure that her hard work and outstanding performance as an Olympian receives the recognition she rightfully deserves.”

When Mr. Rubinstein worked with Lashinda on this matter, he was a partner at King & Spalding LLP, working with Vanessa Alarcon Duvanel, Charity Kirby and Liam Petch. They also deserve recognition!

Otis Harris
2004 Athens Olympics Gold (4×4) and Silver Medalist (400m) | Teammate at South Carolina
“Lashinda was a fierce competitor at the track meets and in practices. I watched her beat Shamus (one of our male teammates) in a one lapper at practice. I always respected how hard she worked. She deserves that Gold medal – it’s long overdue.”

Jahmal Wright
Culver City Track and Field Coach
“Lashinda has been a Godsend to our Culver City Track & Field program. She has totally taken our team to a new level and raised the expectation. Her love for the sport of Track & Field is undeniable, and she has been able to share her knowledge with all of us. We are so excited to see our Coach Demus be honored this Summer. She so deserves all the love and admiration coming her way. Congratulations Coach Lashinda Demus: our Gold Medalist!”

Shevon (Stoddart) Nieto
2-time Jamaican Olympian | South Carolina teammate
“I’m so proud of Lashinda. At South Carolina we had so many great athletes. To know that a Gamecock came away with the Gold Medal in the women’s 400m hurdles, makes me very happy. Lashinda’s moment was taken at the 2012 Olympics. But we share so many special moments as teammates and Lashinda was, is and will always be one of the greatest Intermediate hurdlers in the world. Congratulations Shindig.”

Jason Richardson
2012 London Olympics Silver Medalist and 2011 World Champion | Training partner at South Carolina
“Lashinda Demus has proven to be California’s, the Nation’s, and now the World’s best 400m hurdler. As a 2012 Olympian myself, I watched Lashinda’s race knowing deep down she was deprived of her rightful crown as the queen of long hurdling. The grace with which she handled the situation and the expert professionalism she displayed are reminders of why Lashinda is not only an incredible athlete but also an incredible woman of integrity. A gold medal delayed but finally not denied.”

Kevin Brown
Demus’ South Carolina coach
“Lashinda Demus is one of the best athletes I’ve had the pleasure of recruiting and coaching. In my many years of coaching Lashinda, she showed me the qualities of what it takes to be a World Class Elite athlete and a Champion. She helped shape my evaluation process in determining who I should look for to be a part of my program. Her work ethic determination and mindset to being a Champion sets her apart. Her ability to step up at Championships shows that she is a gamer. I always knew you could count on her for her best performances to show up at Major Championships. She knows how to win with Grace, Humility and Respect for her competition. A true Queen and Diva in the sport.

Off the track the same qualities show up in her life as well. You can see as a mom and strong woman she stands tall with guiding her children. I am ecstatic the IOC is awarding Lashinda her medal that she is so deserving of, and more importantly, that she earned. University of South Carolina Gamecocks all over the world, and USA Track and Field, are celebrating a true legend. Congratulations Lashinda.”

Chelsea (Hammond) Ross
2008 Beijing Olympics Bronze Medalist (Long Jump) | Teammate at South Carolina
“As teammates, Lashinda and I always shared similar experiences from dorm rooms, to apartments and unfortunately both being robbed of a moment in time that cannot be replaced. But with a full heart I can say we will share 1 last moment together as athletes. There is no one more deserving of a gold medal then Shin, although in my eyes she was a gold medalist the day she crossed that finish line in 2012.”

Aleen (Bailey) Taylor
2004 Athens Olympics Gold Medalist (4×1) | South Carolina Teammate
“She was and still is a hard worker, always giving 100%. It was inspiring to train with her because she pushed you to be your best. She would never allow you to quit. She was one of those teammates that would cheer you on when you found it hard to finish that last rep.

I watched that race in London, silently cheering for her due to me being Jamaican. But once you are a Gamecock – you gain new family members. Family sticks together so I was excited for her to win – I saw that she was ready. I am happy and sad for her because such a beautiful moment was stolen from her, but it’s never too late to be honored for your accomplishments.”

Natasha Hastings
2-time Olympic Gold Medalist (4×4) | Gamecock Alum
“There truly isn’t any consolation for having a moment that is rightfully yours taken away from you. Lashinda fought for the gold that is rightfully hers, and will receive it at the Paris Games this summer.”

Miki Barber
U.S. Olympian | World Champion (4×4) | South Carolina teammate
“Lashinda receiving her gold medal, in Paris, at the 2024 Olympic Games is legendary. After 12 years of fighting for what she deserves and for it to actually come to fruition, is nothing short of amazing. She is a game changer, an inspiration, a true example of courage and how important it is to be seen and heard. We thank you for creating a priceless experience for yourself and your fellow athletes that is long overdue. From college teammates, to professional training partners, to coaches, l have witnessed Lashinda do amazing things on and off the track. I’m proud to call my friend a now Olympic Gold medalist.”

Tacita Bass
3-time NCAA Champion | South Carolina teammate
“There is one quote that comes to mind when I think about Lashinda: “Go Forth & Do Great Things”. That was her mindset and expectation. Lashinda is a humble beast. The hardest working person in training, she always found a way to encourage others. Even down to running the open 400m at SECs in 2002 before the 400m hurdles so we could collect more team points. Passing the winning stick to her on the 4×4 was one of the highlights. She gave all she had left to the team to win the 4×4 and in turn, the first national championship ever won at the University of South Carolina. To know her on and off the track is to love her.

I watched the race at the 2012 London Olympics and knew without a shadow of a doubt that she was ready. I was proud of the-then silver medal and am even more proud to know that she truly deserved and earned the gold medal. She will forever have her Gamecock family behind her. Go Forth & Do Great Things in all things Shindig.”

Demetria (Washington) Davis
World Champion (4×4) | 6-time NCAA Champion | South Carolina Teammate
“It was an honor to be a teammate and friend of Lashinda Demus in college. She was a splendid athlete with resilience and vigor that showed in her performance in college. She was one of the most influential hurdlers of her era. I also had the pleasure of training with her post college. It was a blessing to work with and train with her.

I remember watching the 2012 Olympics and being in awe of her poise and accomplishment to make the final. She rightly deserves this medal for her sacrifice, honesty and fruit of being one of the best hurdlers in the USA let alone the world.

Her love for the sport shows as she now coaches. Her impartation will be irreplaceable and should be cherished. Always and forever to thee … Gamecock love.”

Curtis Frye
former Gamecock head coach | Demus’ college coach
“Lashinda Demus is the greatest of all-time.”

Kenneth Ferguson
World Junior Champion | South Carolina Teammate
“I am so excited for this to have finally happened. She’s so deserving of this. It is rightfully hers. We all know she was the better hurdler in that race. To say someone I called my big sister, is now an official gold medalist is fantastic. God is good. Shin was such a hard worker. I remember meeting her for the first time in 2002 during my college visit as a young, wide-eyed teen. I loved the website Dyestat so I knew all about her. And then we made World Juniors that summer in Kingston, Jamaica. We finally got to chat. She took me under her wing. She was teaching me all about taking care of my body with treatment and massages. She cheered me on in my races. I still remember her calling me the morning before my race at the USA Championships to give me tips. That’s the kind of person she is. I am so proud to be able to say I’m a fellow Gamecock. I have seen her grow from being a high phenom and college star to turning professional and making her first Olympic team in 2004. And now she’s a fantastic coach and a mother. Coaching her boys has to be a dream come true. It’s truly unique to see her evolution. Allyson (Felix) and I love you, ShinDig, and we are so excited to see you receive your medal.”

Dawn Ellerbe
U.S. Olympian | 4-time NCAA Champion | South Carolina Hall of Fame
“It takes courage and resilience to stand for what’s right. It takes strength and endurance to stay standing. I am so proud of Lashinda. While she shouldn’t have had to fight for her gold medal, earned not given, it’s beautiful to see she never gave up. She is the best of the best and has proved that time and time again. I am glad she will be recognized for all the world to see.”

Lisa Barber
2-time World Champion (4×1, 4×4) | 5 NCAA Titles | South Carolina Teammate
“I’m super excited that Lashinda is finally getting her Gold Medal and that her friends and family can see her receive it at the 2024 Olympics. Lashinda is a very dear friend of mine and this has been a long process. We were college teammates and traveled the world together while competing professionally for years. She’s one of the hardest and most competitive people I know. I remember watching the race in 2012 where she was 2nd – she wasn’t happy at all. So to her get the medal now is amazing.

She’s an amazing Coach now at Culver City High School and she pours into her kids on and off the track. She’s an amazing mother to her 4 boys. To see 2 Gamecocks, Lashinda Demus and Chelsea Hammond Ross, get their medals is awesome and well deserved. They will never get that moment back which is unfortunate but at least they are making adjustments. Wishing my girls all the best. “If it’s to be, it’s up to me “ Go Gamecocks!”