MileSplit South Carolina talks with T.L. Hanna track and field athlete Mekhi Malcolm prior to his senior season for the Yellow Jackets.
How does your 2025 SCHSL 5A Division 2 state track and field meet success of first in shot put and fourth in discus motivate you for the 2026 outdoor track and field season in South Carolina - your senior year?
It motivates me a lot, especially in the discus knowing that I had what it took to win but not being able to, It definitely motivates me this year to be more locked in on the next event after finishing one and not letting the hype and excitement of winning one get to my head and understanding that I still gave a goal in mind (winning state in the discus also) and that the job isn't finished.
What are the track and field meets that are high on your priority list for competition this year and why?
Right now the number one meet I'm looking forward to is New Balance Indoor Nationals in March because after opening up my indoor season with 19.37m (63'6.6") and being ranked at U.S. number four it gives me a new level of excitement and hope that I have what it takes to win a high level nationals meet like New Balance and really make a name for myself on the national scene. The State Meet is definitely another meet that I am really looking forward too because one of my top goals for this year is to set a new SCHSL shot put state record and to also be able to finish my high school career with a state title in the discus as well.
How do you look at being ranked as one of the top returners in the throws?
I look at it as a true blessing, and a reflection of the hard work that I put in.
What's a day of competition like for you?
A typical day of competition for me isn't much different than any other day. Something I always do on competition days is to do lots of explosive lifts in my morning lift to make sure that my muscles are primed and firing the way that I want them to for competition later in the day. Another thing I like to do is eat a decent amount of fruit either on the way to the meet or when I'm getting out of school depending on how far the meet is to help me get my energy levels up. I typically like to pack my bag with everything I would need to bring with me to the meet the night before.
"The number one thing I would say is to STICK WITH IT. you're very rarely going to be good when you first start out. I wasn't good when I first started but I stuck with it and I fell in love with the process." - Mekhi Malcolm
What is your motivation for now and the future?
A big motivation for me is the idea of chasing a new goal and putting the work in everyday knowing that my hard work is compounding and getting me closer to that goal even when I pay not see the results. Another motivation for me is my growing faith in Jesus Christ and knowing that he gave me the dreams and aspirations that I have for a reason and that no matter what happens that he will always have my back and no matter where I may be in my journey that it is exactly where he wants me to be and I have no reason to be worried. My constant reminder for this year and this season is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me, and I will listen to you. you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
How did you get involved in track and field, and when?
I started in track and field In the eighth grade after not making the basketball team. My dad really pushed for me to go out and do track to get faster for football, but I really didn't wan't to do it. I eventually caved and decided to go to Coach (Brent) Jackson about it who at the time was one of my teachers and expressed my interest in running. He told me that I could come out and be on the team but that he wasn't going to let me run but instead was going to make me be a thrower. At the time I was confused because I didn't know what throwing was at all. I thought track was just running and jumping. Because he rejected the idea of me running I told him how I didn't want to do it if I can't run, but he convinced me to at least just come out and see if I like it. So, I went to a practice and quickly learned that I don't even like running so I stuck with throwing. I had a couple of friends and teammates from school who were out there throwing. Over time I seen the progress and ended up falling in love with throwing.
What other sports do you play?
I've always played football and sometimes played other sports like basketball and baseball. Once I got to high school, I only did football, track and wrestling, which this year I'm not wrestling so that I can compete indoor and get a headstart on the outdoor season.
Do you have any family members in the sport or did compete in track and field?
My dad was a thrower when he was in high school. He was decent, but his main sport was always football and one of my older sisters ran cross country when she was in high school. Like my dad it was not her main sport. She was a volleyball player, so growing up I was never around track and field.
What do you want to see happen in the sport in the future, and why?
I definitely want to see the first man throw 24-meters with the 16 pound shot because that would just be absolutely insane and I feel like that would help contribute to the second thing I would want to see. That's the sport growing bigger then it and becoming more of a mainstream sport because I feel like Track and Field, not just throwing is the greatest example and display of human athletic ability.
What encouragement do you have for younger track and field athletes?
The number one thing I would say is to STICK WITH IT. you're very rarely going to be good when you first start out. I wasn't good when I first started but I stuck with it and I fell in love with the process.
What other hobbies do you have?
Doing sports year round, I am very busy a lot of the time, but I do enjoy weightlifting and being in the weightroom with my strength coach, Coach Rock. Whenever I can find time, I do enjoy video games such as College Football 26 with friends.
Do you have postseason meet plans?
This summer I do hope to be able to compete at Nike Outdoor Nationals in Oregon and to compete in U20s.
Do you see coaching in your future?
I definitely would be open to the opportunity to coach track and field if I can find the right place and situation for me. Another thing I would love to do is maybe even coach football as an offensive coordinator. That's something that's always interested me.
What would you want to say to your supporters?
Thank you so much and I really appreciate the support and love!
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
One of the top things on my bucket list is to definitely be able to compete in the Olympics one day in the shot put because it would truly be a blessing to be able to compete with the best athletes in the world and prove to people that no matter what your circumstances are in life that if you fall in live with the process and keep faith in God you can do whatever you want because God didn't give you whatever dream you have if it wasn't possible.