Page 14 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2021

COAST NOTE
story by Luke Height
“LAST ONE, BEST ONE.”
This is the motto of Gulfport’s very own Brittney Reese. She has stunned the world once again on her way to earning a silver medal in the long jump competition at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
In her stunning performance, Reese was able to jump 6.97 meters, which adds up to 22.86 feet. This amazing display of her craft is an inspiration to many.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics isn’t the first time Reese has been at the top in her field of expertise. This is her fourth Olympic appearance. In that time, she has earned three Olympic medals and eight world championship medals, and built a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten.
In her recent interview with NPR, a major media outlet, Reese says, “You know, if I was on the track side of the sport, I'd be the Usain Bolt of long jump. But just being on the field events side, you know, it just doesn't get the attention that it deserves.”
Even without all the attention that some other sports get, she still believes she has a purpose. She says, “I was not placed here for that. I was not placed here for attention. I was placed here to inspire.”
She definitely has accomplished her goal. Through her hard work and dedication, she has left behind a body of work that speaks for itself. This will be Reese’s last Olympics and the culminating moment for her impressive career.
Reese is planning to shift gears and focus on the future generation. She says, “I have a son. I think it's time for me to step away and spend more time with him.”
Of course she will be there to support the next generation of long jumpers that aim to follow in her footsteps, but family comes first. After such an astounding run, Reese will be able to enjoy time with her son and focus on raising him. Will we see him on the podium one day? Only time will tell.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRITTNEY REESE ON HER OUTSTANDING CAREER.
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