About Merlene Ottey Merlene Joyce Ottey (born May 10, 1960 in Hanover, Jamaica) is a Jamaican-born, Slovenian track athlete. Ottey began her career representing Jamaica, but since 2002, has represented Slovenia, where she now resides. She is ranked fourth on the all-time list of female performers in the 100 meters and third in the 200 meters. Ottey holds the record for being the oldest track medalist ever, for running the fastest Women's Indoor 200 metres (in 21.87 seconds). , and for having the most women's World Championships medals (fourteen). Her career achievements and longevity have led to her being called the "Queen of the Track".