GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Every young athlete aspires to reach the pinnacle of their sport, aiming to become the best in the world. Brittney Reese turned this dream into reality and is now serving as a source of inspiration for the next generation of athletes.
“After I retired, I already had a clear vision of wanting to stay connected in some capacity,” shared Brittney Reese.
Returning to her roots where she first encountered track and field in seventh grade, Reese reminisced, “I did not have an initial liking for it.”
Encouraged by her grandfather, Brittney persevered, ultimately achieving the remarkable feat of becoming a three-time Olympic medalist in long jump, including a gold medal triumph in 2012. Currently in her second year as the track coach at Gulfport High School, she imparts her wisdom and experience to young athletes.
“Track demands dedication and hard work; I provide them with rigorous college-level workouts,” Reese emphasized. “While they may grumble about early mornings, I remind them that I competed at all hours. It’s all about mindset and cultivating mental resilience.”
“I had a support system that propelled me to win gold medals, and now I am that support system for them, guiding them towards success,” she added (WLOX).
Although the journey may be arduous, senior Lania McDonald finds solace in Brittney’s track record of success, acknowledging the importance of mental fortitude in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
“Success hinges more on mental strength than physical prowess,” remarked McDonald. “Physical conditioning can be attained, but true success stems from trusting the process, training, and inherent abilities, culminating in a harmonious blend.”
With a legacy of achievements behind her, Reese acknowledges the transition from elite competition to mentoring budding athletes as a learning curve.
“Patience is key in this transition,” Reese noted. “Many of our students are new to track; we focus on educational videos to familiarize them with the sport. It’s not just about speed or distance; it’s about embracing competition, and many of them surprise themselves.”
Witnessing her team excel evokes a similar sense of fulfillment akin to her own triumphs on the world stage.
“The satisfaction is comparable because it signifies our collective effort,” Reese expressed. “Just as I had a team supporting me in winning gold medals, I now support them in achieving success. Their accomplishments feel like our shared victories since we prepared them for those pivotal moments.”
Brittney Reese’s illustrious accomplishments are prominently showcased at Gulfport High School. The upcoming Olympic Games in Paris will mark the first Olympics since 2004 where Brittney will not be competing.
“While it will be a different experience watching from the sidelines,” Reese reflected, “I am eager to witness the emerging talents we have. Team USA is expected to have a youthful representation, and I look forward to cheering them on as they secure medals.”
Amidst spectating the next generation of champions, Reese remains steadfast in her commitment to nurturing young athletes in her cherished hometown.
“This city holds immense significance for me during my formative years, and I am proud to give back to the community that supported me,” Reese affirmed.
Having led Gulfport High to dual state championships last year, Reese is optimistic about securing more titles in the upcoming season.