Reese's gold medal sparkles back home in Gulfport - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Reese's gold medal sparkles back home in Gulfport

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By Michelle Lady - bio | email
Hundreds of South Mississippians came out to give Olympic Gold Medalist Brittney Reese a big welcome home Saturday night. Hundreds of South Mississippians came out to give Olympic Gold Medalist Brittney Reese a big welcome home Saturday night.

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GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -

Brittney Reese's gold medal glistens just a brightly this morning as it did when the Olympic long jump champ showed it off to her Gulfport friends on Saturday.

Hundreds of South Mississippians came out to give Olympic Gold Medalist Brittney Reese a big welcome home Saturday night. Chanting "Way to go Brittney, way to go," the crowd waved flags, held signs and showered Reese with gifts and she made her way through the crowd at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

But as the winner took the podium the crowds quickly hushed.

"I would like to just present this to y'all and show y'all what y'all have done," Reese said as she waved the gold medal around for everyone to see.

"I wish you could just translate the energy that was here," Representative Steven Palazzo said. "She is an awesome person. And not only brought home the gold medal, but she has a heart of gold, and we are so proud of her."

The community is more than just proud, they are also inspired by the young athlete.

Sabria Wells said, "When she did it, it gave me chills, really. Because it showed if you put your mind to something, you can definitely achieve it."

"She's an inspiration to the entire community, the entire state," Clay Williams said. "She's worked hard and deserves the gold she won."

While many came to congratulate the Olympian or take a picture with her, one young boy had a big question he hoped to ask her.

"Will she marry me," Kaleb Anderson said.

Reese left before he could pop the question, but it is certain she felt the outpouring of love from South Mississippi.

"They turn out for their hometown heroes, so it's just been a wonderful evening," Palazzo said.

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SLIDESHOW: Welcome Home, Brittney Reese!

Olympic gold medalist Brittney Reese was welcomed home to Gulfport Saturday night by hundreds of proud South Mississippians.