PARIS, France — Oregon's Jaida Ross bleeds Pacific Northwest through and through, from Medford, and now shot putting for the Ducks, Ross is ready to show out on the biggest stage.
Ross won the 6A state championship two times while attending North Medford High School, and in 2020 chose to take her talents to the University of Oregon. With the Ducks, Ross became the first woman at the University of Oregon to win an NCAA title in the shot put after breaking the collegiate record with a throw of 65 feet, 7 3/4 inches.
Ross has won at nearly every competitive level, and now after competing for years, she has achieved the ultimate goal of becoming an Olympian.
"I think I knew from a young age. What it takes to be one of the best is to love something. I love this sport," Ross said. "That means the world to me, just saying I'm an Olympian, is just mind blowing to me. it's everything I've ever wanted."
At the Olympic trials in Eugene, Ross placed third with a throw of 64 feet and 3 1/4 inches.
"I get to represent USA on a big stage. You know, this really is a life dream that I've achieved today and to do it here is such a beautiful way to do it," Ross said. "Today I can write in my journal with my signature at the end and write USA with a period."
Now, Ross gets to participate in the biggest stage there is in Paris for the 2024 Olympics. The women's shot put is set to be held on Aug. 2 and 3, where Ross will look to take home her first Olympic medal.