SHARE

Westchester Track Star's Olympic Run Concludes In Rio

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - Although her gold medal hopes fell less than two seconds short in the 200-meter women’s Olympic final in Rio Wednesday night, the future appears bright for Mount Vernon track superstar Deajah Stevens, who finished seventh in the world.

Mount Vernon native Deajah Stevens finished in seventh place in the 200-meter final.

Mount Vernon native Deajah Stevens finished in seventh place in the 200-meter final.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Mount Vernon native and former New Rochelle High School athlete Deajah Stevens finished seventh in the 200-meter women's final at the Rio Olympics.

Mount Vernon native and former New Rochelle High School athlete Deajah Stevens finished seventh in the 200-meter women's final at the Rio Olympics.

Photo Credit: Contributed

On Wednesday night, Stevens ran a 22.65s, .87 seconds behind Jamaican Elaine Thompson, who won the event. Dafne Schippers, of the Netherlands took silver with a time of 21.88s while America Tori Bowie rounded out the podium with her 22.15 finish.

All week, the city has come together at the Doles Community Center for viewing parties, where they saw Stevens rattle off the fastest lap in her qualifying heat before finishing third in her semifinal run on Tuesday to earn her spot in the final.

Prior to her Olympic experience, the Mount Vernon community came together for a fundraising campaign to send Stevens’ family to Brazil to cheer her live on the world’s biggest stage.

“(Deajah) is adding to Mount Vernon’s legacy of leadership in athletics and inspiring millions of young people to pursue their dream,” Thomas said. “Mount Vernonites consider ourselves to be a family, which is why we banded together to make sure Deejah's mother and sister are able to join her in Rio and cheer her on to victory.”

A day after her historic run, Stevens took to social media to thank her fans and community that showed their support during her Olympic debut.


“I have so many messages and positive words and encouragement and I want to (thank) everyone,” she posted on Twitter. “You guys are the best. Thank you so much.” 

to follow Daily Voice Rye and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE