Jamaican sprint hurdler Oneka Wilson is taking her historic feat at the ACC Championships in stride after becoming the first athlete in conference history to win three consecutive titles in the 60m hurdles. The Clemson University junior, speaking with Sportsmax.TV, acknowledged the magnitude of her achievement but remains focused on further improvements ahead of the NCAA Nationals and beyond.

Wilson secured her third straight ACC 60m hurdles title with a time of 8.09 seconds. Earlier in the season, she set a personal best and season-best time of 7.95 seconds at the Clemson Indoor Track and Field Complex on February 14, further proving her steady progression in the event.

Wilson was well aware of the significance of her ACC three-peat, but her race execution left her wanting more.

“I knew it was going to be history,” she admitted. “Whenever I go to the ACC championship, I know it’s about going there and defending my title. But I didn’t get the best start. I was kind of upset because I don’t know what happened at the start… but I’m grateful for everything that happened. Everything happens for a reason.”

Despite a challenging start, Wilson remains confident in her training and preparation, having steadily improved over the past three years.

“I think I just started understanding the sport more and learned to be patient with myself,” she said. “Just being patient, trusting myself, trusting my coach, trusting my training, working hard, and praying.”

Central to Wilson’s success is her close relationship with her Clemson coach, Lennox Graham.

“We get closer and closer every day. He’s not just my coach; he’s like a father to me and a mentor,” she explained. “I can go to him not only with sports stuff but also for education and personal things. He always knows exactly what to say to make me feel better.”

Beyond her coach, Wilson credits her best friend, University of Kentucky sprinter Oneika McAnnuff, as someone who helps her deal with the expectations that come with success.

“She always knows what to say to me. She knows who I am, so it really helps.”

With ACC Championships behind her, Wilson has reset her focus for NCAA Nationals, where she aims to reach the final after narrowly missing out last year.

“It’s definitely to make the finals,” she said. “I went there last year and missed the finals by one-hundredth of a second. So, it’s definitely to go there and make the finals. After that, I’ll set a goal for what I want to achieve.”

Long-term, Wilson has her sights set on a professional career after her college tenure ends in a year’s time.

“I’m very passionate about the sport, so it’s definitely to go professional,” she stated. “Hopefully, I’m playing for something big.”

Wilson’s personal best performance at the Jamaica National Championships in 2024 was a turning point in her self-confidence. Competing against some of the world’s best sprint hurdlers, including Ackera Nugent, Danielle Williams, Janeek Brown, and Megan Tapper, Wilson clocked 12.70 seconds, securing the Olympic qualifying standard and demonstrating her ability to compete at the highest level.

“Going into the trials, I was doubting myself,” she admitted. “But after running the heat and achieving a personal best and the Olympic qualifying standard, that’s when I started believing in myself a little bit more. That run definitely motivated me.”

To take her performances to the next level, Wilson is focusing on two key areas: improving her speed and sharpening her first hurdle execution.

“My coach and I are working on my speed and that first hurdle. I have a habit of sitting back too much, so we’re fixing that,” she explained. “When I ran 7.95, I stayed forward coming off, and the results showed. So, staying forward and improving my speed are the main things.”

Wilson also finds inspiration from training alongside two-time world champion Danielle Williams, using her as a resource for professional insights.

“I use her sometimes for motivation, and when I need someone to talk to about the professional side of things, she’s the one I go to,” she shared. “She has helped me a lot, especially with things like hydration and recovery.”

With Nationals on the horizon and the Jamaican Trials in her plans, Wilson remains excited yet composed.

“I put ACC aside and reset my mind. This is a different level. It’s kind of pressuring, but I’m trying to stay focused and relaxed as best as I can,” she said.

Wilson is determined to continue improving, compete for a spot on Jamaica’s national team for the 2025 World Championships, and ultimately transition to the professional ranks.

“I am definitely going to try and make that team to Tokyo,” she affirmed.

With a historic ACC legacy secured, Wilson’s journey is far from over—her next chapters promise even bigger things.