“I feel great,” Kaylyn Brown said right after running her third 400m relay leg at the Olympics. Age didn’t faze the Gaston County native, who is now an Olympic champion. This gold and silver medalist has etched her name in the sprinting world. At 9 years old, Kaylyn wasn’t just dreaming about the Olympics—she was determined to make it a reality. Long before her entry at 19, the track and field prodigy had her sights set on the global stage. She trained with focus and passion, leaving no doubt about where she was headed.

The road to the Paris Olympics wasn’t easy. Kaylyn worked hard, going through rigorous training sessions, to reach the top. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “We trained for this. I did a lot of workouts. I really am conditioned and trained.” Running from a young age, her hunger to become an Olympic champion started early and never wavered.

Driven by her dreams, Kaylyn Brown lit up the Paris Olympics

Kaylyn Brown had already set her sights on winning Olympic gold at nine years old, according to a report in the Gaston Gazette on September 2, 2014. By the time she was 19, her track career had started as a fourth grader at Hawks Nest Intermediate School. She competed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m runs, often practicing at Ashbrook High School and challenging peers her age—regardless of gender. On the national stage, however, she faced only female opponents. Her skills earned her a spot at the Des Moines, Iowa, Junior Olympics. Although she didn’t bring home a medal, her passion and drive remained unwavering.

She was dedicated and adamant from a young age. After the Junior Olympics, she said, “I don’t like to lose because I know I can do better than that.” Her mind was already focused on the following year’s tournament, determined to return stronger. From a young age, she wanted to become one of the fastest women. She made her first bold statement about her track and field future at just four years old. She expressed her desire without hesitation and said, “I would tell my teachers, and tell my parents, tell everyone, I’m going to make it to the Olympics.” So, clearly, that has always been her dream. That is why Kaylyn was young. She was very cautious about her diet because of her goal; as she said, “I eat fruit every day.”

Brown believed a healthy diet could help her get a medal one day. All her hard work and her mother’s support paid off after a stunning 4x400m relay team victory at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, finishing in 3:18.65. In April 2024, she broke the 50-second record at 400m, finishing in only 49.95s at the Tom Jones Invitational. Again, she broke this record by making a new one of 49.47 seconds at the SEC Outdoor Championships, which made her a worthy participant in the Paris Olympics.

Later, she even beat her personal best and set a new record of 49.13 at the NCAA Championships. Then, the time came when she finally turned her dream into reality—the Paris Olympics and the much-awaited gold. She finished off in 49.13s in her style and got to stand at the podium, ranking in the top position. After her massive win, she was royally welcomed by her hometown.

Kaylyn Brown’s journey: From early-age challenges to Olympic gold

The Mallad Greek High School track star received a heroic welcome on Wednesday night because she was honored by the Gastonia Baseball Club. The free event, including a meet-and-greet with Brown, was held at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia yesterday. Brown was honored by her community, and she was introduced by former teachers and her first track coach.“I’m very blessed for this opportunity to be talking to you today,” Kaylyn said after receiving the grand welcome. She added, “I admire showing other kids you can do anything you put your mind to, and you can do anything through Christ.”

At that event, the mayor gave her a certificate of recognition, and she was also presented with a brand new Jeep. However, her journey to the Paris Olympics was extraordinary, as it was a tough road. Her mother, Nikki Brown, has always supported her throughout her journey. Kaylyn practiced four nights a week in AAU’s (Amateur Athletic Union) local division with her teammates during her early days. Her mother paid $150 per season for her to participate in the Junior Olympics, which she first attended.

They faced financial constraints and traveled by van to go to Iowa. Furthermore, she used to travel to track meets from South Carolina to North Carolina. But she had confidence from an early age that, with training, she could compete and bag a gold medal in the Olympics. “Age doesn’t matter – if you’re fast, you’re fast so I just get out there and show the world who I am,” said Kaylyn with pride in her voice. Now that she is preparing for her next event, we wonder how she will perform at the 2028 LA Olympics.