First-generation college graduate says she 'manifested' making Olympic team
Quanesha Burks is proving dreams do really come true.
The 26-year-old is heading to Tokyo for the 2021 Olympics after jumping her personal best in the women's long jump. Burks placed third with a jump of 22 feet, 10 inches, clinching a spot on the team.
Burks said going from her first job in high school working at McDonald's to being an Olympian is a dream come true.
In a TikTok video, Burks shared how she "manifested" making Team USA by repeating to herself, "I'm going to be an Olympian," daily leading up to the trials.
"There was so much negativity but I just kept telling myself, 'I'm going to be an Olympian,' and started recording it," Burks told "Good Morning America."
Her video received over 100,000 likes and over 300,000 views in just three days.
Burks was raised by her grandparents in a small town in Alabama and was the first in her family to go to college.
She received a track scholarship to the University of Alabama and graduated with a degree in education.
Not only is she training for Tokyo, she is also working as a tutor and nanny for young children.
Burks has two younger sisters and wants to be an inspiration for young girls.
"All you need to do is have faith and believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself, you're unstoppable," Burks said.
Burks hopes to open a learning development center to help other children like her.
As far as the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, Burks said she's "really looking forward to get on the podium."
