Clemson University’s coaching staff is heaping praise on Oneka Wilson after the Jamaican sprint hurdler made history by becoming the first athlete to win three consecutive 60m hurdles titles at the ACC Indoor Championships. Wilson’s latest victory last week Monday solidified her place as one of the most dominant athletes in conference history and showcased her continued growth as a leader within the Clemson track and field program.
Assistant Coach Lennox Graham, who has been instrumental in Wilson’s development, acknowledges the weight of expectation but remains confident in her ability to handle the pressure. With the NCAA Division I Indoor Championships set for March 14-15 at the Virginia Beach Sports Center, Graham emphasized the importance of executing race strategy at the highest level.
“She just has to believe in her abilities,” Graham stated. “We have a strategy—Oneka puts the field under pressure early. But she didn’t do that at ACCs. If she does the same thing in the NCAA prelims, she won’t make the finals—and she knows that.”
Wilson narrowly missed making the NCAA final last year by just a hundredth of a second, a disappointment that continues to drive her. Graham ensures she remains focused on refining her mindset and execution heading into the national championships.
“At the end of the day, she controls her mindset. Once she leaves the warm-up area, I’m not there anymore—she has to channel her focus the right way,” he added.
Mark Elliott, Clemson’s Director of Track and Field and Cross Country, highlighted Wilson’s growth not just as an athlete but as a leader within the team.
“In terms of leadership, she's first-class—on the field and off the field,” Elliott said. “She works hard in everything she does. Oneka has risen from being very shy at first to now being one of those vocal leaders. People follow her based on just her work ethic—and that’s in the classroom as well.”
Wilson’s development has been evident not just in her competitive results but also in her technical improvements. Elliott pointed out that her speed has increased significantly, and with her being on the shorter side for a sprint hurdler, efficiency over the hurdles has been a key focus in training.
“Her technique has improved, which is crucial given her height—she has to be very efficient over the hurdles, and she’s been consistent with that,” Elliott noted.
Her performances at the Jamaican National Championships last year where she was fifth in a lifetime best of 12.70, demonstrated her potential on the international stage, and her continued progress suggests she is on the verge of breaking into the elite ranks of sprint hurdling.
With the NCAA Indoor Championships fast approaching, Wilson’s ability to handle pressure and execute her race plan will be tested once again. However, with her coaches’ belief in her talent and her growing confidence, she remains a strong contender for a national title.
“A three-peat in anything in track and field, at any level, is an outstanding achievement. So, what she has done is remarkable,” Elliott added.
Wilson’s next challenge will be ensuring she peaks at the right time to achieve her ultimate goal—an NCAA title that would further cement her legacy at Clemson and beyond.