Carmelita Jeter [Fastest Woman Alive]

By: Editor | March 09, 2011 | Ten by Ten

Being the second-fastest woman in history to run the 100-meter dash with a record time of 10.64 seconds, it is no wonder that Carmelita Jeter was born with the word ‘Jet’ in her name. Jeter has won several medals in the 100-meter and 200-meter at the World Championships, the USA Championships and the Olympic trials to name a few. Jeter suffered a hamstring injury early in her career; however, this did not stop the swift sprinter from competing in 2007, when she started to gain distinction coming back with a time of 11.05 seconds in the 100-meter. Jeter was born in Gardena, Calif., and graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills. The All-American athlete is herself a treasured trophy to CSDH, as she has won the most medals for track and field in the history of the university.

Name one person you most admire, past or present, and why?

I admire my grandmother who passed, Ethel White. She was such a strong woman and raised four children and many grandchildren. She passed from cancer, but she never complained when she was sick, and she was a fighter. I admired and learned so much from her.

How would you define happiness?

Being at peace with yourself and your surroundings. 


How would you define the role of art in modern society?

I would define the role of art in society as free expression.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?

The best career advice I received was keep people around me that care, and to be prepared for the negativity that comes with success. That advice came from my dad.

What artist (musician, poet, painter, etc.) has had the greatest impact on your life and how?
Maya Angelou, because her poetry has been a inspiration to all black women. Being a young black woman myself, I have found strength, wisdom, courage and resiliency in her poems.

What is your greatest extravagance?
The greatest extravagance would have to be shopping and treating myself well at any expense.

How would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as one of the greatest sprinters of all time and a good role model for young and up-and-coming sprinters.

Favorite all-time …

Movie: The Five Heartbeats
Show: CSI: Miami

How would you define love?

I would define love as unconditional.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?

I would change the world by ending poverty and ensuring that all individuals are allowed an education to better themselves.

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