Born: 1986 (Inglewood, California)
Biography:
Brittney Davon Reese was born on September 9, 1986, in Inglewood, California. She is a retired American long jumper, Olympic gold medalist, and seven-time world champion. Reese had a remarkable career in athletics, setting records and achieving success at both the collegiate and international level.
Reese attended Gulfport High School in Gulfport, Mississippi, where she excelled in track and field. She became the state champion in the long jump and triple jump, showcasing her natural talent and athleticism. In 2004, she graduated from Gulfport High School and went on to attend MGCCC (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) and the University of Mississippi.
During her time at MGCCC, Reese also joined the women’s basketball team and made a significant impact on the court. Her athletic abilities earned her induction into the MGCCC sports Hall of Fame. This early success in multiple sports laid the foundation for Reese’s future achievements in long jumping.
Reese’s breakthrough came in 2007 and 2008 when she became the NCAA Outdoor Champion in the long jump. Her exceptional performances caught the attention of the athletics world, and she set a personal best of 22 feet 9.75 inches (6.95 meters) in the long jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials in July 2008. This achievement secured her a spot at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Despite her strong qualifying jump, Reese finished fifth in the Olympic final with a jump of 6.76 meters. This setback did not discourage her, as she continued to strive for greatness and push her limits in the long jump. On May 24, 2009, in Belém, Reese extended her personal best to 7.06 meters, earning her a place on the American all-time list.
In the 2009 World Athletics Championships held in Berlin, Reese truly shined, winning the long jump title with a jump of 7.10 meters. Her victory marked the beginning of a remarkable streak of success in the event. Notably, Reese became the third youngest champion in the history of the long jump.
Reese’s dominance continued at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships, where she clinched the gold medal in the long jump with a jump of 6.70 meters. The following year, at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, Reese successfully defended her gold medal in the long jump with a jump of 6.82 meters, showcasing her consistency and determination.
The year 2012 proved to be a historic one for Reese. At the IAAF World Indoor Championships, she made history by becoming the first woman to win back-to-back World indoor titles in the long jump. Her final round effort of 7.23 meters not only secured her the gold medal but also set a new American record and placed her third on the all-time indoor lists. Reese’s remarkable achievements were a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering commitment.
Reese continued to make her mark in the outdoor season, breaking Carol Lewis’ long-standing meet record at the Mt SAC Relays with a jump of 7.12 meters. This success was followed by the pinnacle of her athletic career – winning the Olympic gold medal in the long jump with another jump of 7.12 meters. Reese’s talent and hard work had paid off, solidifying her status as one of the greatest long jumpers in history.
In 2013, at the World Championships in Moscow, Reese secured her third consecutive long jump world outdoor title with a jump of 7.01 meters. Her victory came after a tight competition with Blessing Okagbare, narrowly beating her by a mere 2 centimeters. Reese’s dedication and determination allowed her to overcome challenges and maintain her dominance in the long jump event.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Reese has also made significant contributions off the field. On November 14, 2011, she donated 100 turkeys to various homeless shelters, showcasing her philanthropic nature and commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Today, Reese has retired from professional athletics but continues to inspire and motivate others as the assistant track and field coach at San Diego Mesa College since 2013. Her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s long jump and her remarkable achievements will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medalist in the long jump (2012)
– Three-time World Outdoor Champion (2009, 2011, 2013)
– Three-time World Indoor Champion (2010, 2012, 2012)