“They wanted me to go professional, but they wanted me to, like, you know, move away from family, kind of how, um, Gabby Douglas did. But you know, that Black household—my parents weren’t going for that, so they turned it down,” Tia Jones reflected last November, during a time when she was sidelined by injury. It was a quiet season for her on the track, but far from silent behind the scenes.

Fast forward just a few months, and Tia roared back onto the scene at the 2024 USATF Indoor Championships with a world-record performance in the women’s 60m hurdles. But the comeback story hit a snag—she missed the Olympics. It was a heartbreak not just for Tia, but also for the family and community who had stood by her, cheering through every high and healing through every low. Now, in the 2025 track and field season, the energy feels different. There’s a shift—one that’s hard-earned and full of quiet resilience.

On May 16, Jones made a powerful statement at the adidas Atlanta City Games in Piedmont Park, finishing second in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.36 seconds, just 0.06 seconds behind veteran hurdler Keni Harrison. Earlier that day, she had led the qualifiers with the same time (+2.1 wind), edging out Grace Stark. For someone who’s faced personal turmoil and public setbacks, it was more than a race—it was redemption. And through it all, Tia didn’t run alone.

On May 18, renowned fashion designer Monet Bartell—affectionately referred to as “Momma”—shared a heartfelt moment on her Instagram stories. In one photo, she posed with Tia in Piedmont Park, smiling like a proud parent. “Got to see my baby girl @tia.ajones do her thing yesterday,” read the caption. In the accompanying video, Monet could be seen cheering Tia on from the sidelines, shouting encouragement as Tia blazed down the track. The clip’s caption said it all: “Proud ‘Momma.’” In reply, Tia, reshared Monet’s story in her Instagram story and captioned, “I love you sm [white heart emojis].” Sometimes, it only takes one voice in the crowd to bring clarity to the chaos. And in that moment, Monet’s voice seemed to cut through the noise—reminding Tia of her roots, her purpose, and the power of presence. And the rest of the things are about Tia Jones’ confidence. 

Despite the attention and rising momentum, the 24-year-old is keeping things grounded this season. Last week, she told reporters, “I don’t put any numbers down…don’t run for time. I run for technique, placements and, um, you know, giving it all for Adidas. So we’ll see. We’ll see.” But don’t mistake calm for complacency. When asked about chasing records, she smiled and added, “We’re not goaling for any world record breaks this weekend, but you know, if it happens, it happens. But, you know, we don’t run to break world records. You just run because you love to run.” And love, it seems, is exactly what’s carrying her—love for the sport, for the family that never left her side, and for the second chance that she’s running with full force.

Tia Jones is shining a big time

Aside from a couple of bumps in the women’s 100m events during the Grand Slam Track series, Tia Jones has been nothing short of electric on the hurdles this season. Her breakthrough moment came at the Miami stop of the Grand Slam Track, where she blazed through the 100m hurdles in 12.19 seconds—a time that sits on the edge of global greatness. The wind? Legal at exactly +2.0. The reaction? Pure, unfiltered joy.

“I was kind of like, dang, we really ran that. We did it, it’s us,” Jones shared afterward, a statement bursting with disbelief, pride, and team spirit. And though she finished second in that race, her time spoke louder than the placement—it was proof that she’s back in elite form and hungry for more.

Moreover, Tia’s 2025 campaign began all the way back in March, at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. There, she opened her season with a confident win in the 100m hurdles, clocking 12.57 seconds to top the podium. Since then, she’s been steadily carving time off the clock, meet after meet, run after run—honing her technique, sharpening her edge, and sending a clear message: she’s not just back—she’s better. So, with every race, Tia Jones isn’t just chasing the finish line. She’s chasing her full potential—and from what we’ve seen so far, she’s running straight into her prime.