GASTONIA, N.C. — Olympic champion Kaylyn Brown received a hero's welcome Wednesday night as the Gastonia Baseball Club honored her accomplishments at the Paris Olympics.
Brown, a Gaston County native who became a track star at Mallard Creek High School, won gold in the women's 4x400-meter relay. She also won silver in the 4x400 mixed relay. Brown helped Team USA set a new world record in the mixed 4x400-meter relay, running an anchor leg of 49.4 seconds. The U.S. broke the previous world record by over a full second, finishing the race in 3:07.41.
The free event was held at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia and included a meet-and-greet with Brown. WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard attended Wednesday's event, where Brown was celebrated by her community and was recognized by former teachers and her first track coach.
"I love to see her run," a kid at the event said.
Another kid said that Brown's journey to the Olympics was inspiring: "Seeing her go to the Olympics and actually make it starting in this city, it really inspired me."
“I’m very blessed for this opportunity to be talking to you today,” Brown said at the event. “I admire showing other kids you can do anything you put your mind to, and you can do anything through Christ."
She was awarded a certificate of recognition from the mayor as well as a brand-new Jeep.
Many families echoed their support not only for Brown and her accomplishments but also for the message of hope that now lingers through the community.
Brown currently resides in Ranlo and attends the University of Arkansas. She has a career-best time of 49.13 seconds in the 400 meters. She won gold in the under-20 World Championships in the mixed 4x400 relay.
Brown had a sensational debut year at Arkansas, running sub-50 times seven times in 10 races during the outdoor season. She won the silver medal in the NCAA 400-meter final, finishing second to teammate Nickisha Pryce. Her time of 49.13 seconds broke the world record for 19-year-olds, surpassing Germany's Grit Breuer in 1991.
Brown started running track with the Sugar Creek Jaguars when she was just 4 years old.