Tokyo, August 1—In an emotional post-semifinal race interview, Ebony Morrison thanked Liberia’s lead track coach Sayon Cooper; the Liberian attaché Kouty Mawenh; her personal coach Joey Scott; and all the Liberian people, who have cheered her on.

She has a lot to celebrate. Though she did not advance to the Olympic finals in the 100 meters hurdles, she set a new personal best record, running an impressive 12.74 seconds. Morrison’s current time makes her the new national women’s record holder and qualifies her for next year’s World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

“This is a big day for Liberia,” Cooper said. “Ebony just ran a national record, which means she’s the best Liberia has ever put forth in the 100 meters hurdles.”

Morrison competed in the fastest heat of the evening where Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn set a new Olympic record in 12.26 seconds. At the end of the event, Liberia ranked 12 out of the 22 semifinalists. The country has certainly left its mark on the track with Morrison’s performance. As Morrison prepares for the long road ahead, she noted that this is just the beginning.

“Next year is World Indoors and World Outdoors, the year after that is World Outdoors, year after that Olympics, year after that another World, so we’re keeping the ball rolling,” Morrison told Go Team Liberia. “This is just the first step to the staircase that I’m about to climb.”

The future looks bright for Morrison and Liberia. We will be watching and supporting her as she carries the flag on her back. Job well done. Listen to Morrison and Cooper’s full post-race interviews below.

Ebony Morrison Post-Race:

Coach Sayon Cooper Post-Race: