*Brittney Reese is on the verge of solidifying herself as a legend in track and field as she prepares for the U.S.A and World Indoor Championships over the next several weeks.
In a single event, she is the most dominant female athlete ever in the sport, and she plans to continue that trend all the way through the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Still, despite those monumental achievements, the star has not garnered anywhere near the attention she is due, considering how she has thwarted competition. T
hat may change, however, with the release of a charismatic new music video entitled, “Icon,” written and produced by multi-platinum, Grammy nominated music producer, “Khao” (responsible for chart-topping hits for artists like Jay-Z, T.I, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell and R. Kelly).
The video begins by capturing Reese’s voice as she shares what is behind her championship mindset. Then, punctuated by Khao’s rhythmic cadence, it highlights the star’s rise to becoming one of the most decorated athletes in women’s Olympic sports history. It serves as a timely reminder to the public that Reese is in fact, an icon.
Captivated by Reese’s story, and equally her character and personality, Khao was excited to write “Icon.”
“It was an honor to work on the song with Brittney,” Khao said. “Someone who has accomplished what she has accomplished in her career, but is so humble, I wanted to be a part of making sure her story gets out. She is the best at what she does and deserves the recognition. Not to mention, we got to make a hot song.”
But, now that they have our attention, Reese has one more important business matter at hand.
“Obviously, I want to break the world record before I retire. That is my focus,” she said, referencing the jump of 7.52 meters (24 ft 8 in) that has stood since 1988. Her career best is 7.31 meters. “That is my only goal I have left to achieve in the sport. But I plan to continue winning gold medals for my country.”
The 31 year-old long jumper currently boasts nine medals in total, including a Gold and Silver at the Summer Olympics, four outdoor gold medals and three indoor gold medals at IAAF World Championships. There has only been one time throughout her illustrious career where she did not hold the best women’s long jump in the entire world.
Back in 2008 at the Olympics in Beijing, Reese came in fifth place. It was a major disappointment for her. However, in what she describes as the best moment of her career, she bounced back and won gold at the 2012 Olympics in London, winning four consecutive gold medals in the World Championships leading up to that point. At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she took home the silver, having a solid performance, but losing gold to U.S. teammate Tiana Bartoletta. Aside from that, she has been unstoppable.
Reese comes from a city most people are not familiar with – Gulfport, Mississippi. It was there where she was introduced to track & field by her late grandfather. She went on to run at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before receiving a scholarship to Ole Miss. She broke out as a star and to this day, she is a hometown hero.
“[Gulfport] really is a community-based city. They are really family oriented and great supporters of my career. I thank them for supporting me throughout my youth because they have been instrumental to my success. When I won my first Olympic medal, the whole city of Gulfport came and met me at the airport. They had a welcome home ceremony, the mayor was there and everyone came and greeted me when I came home. I am extremely grateful for them.”
Despite the pleasant memories, her climb to becoming one of the greats has not come without adversity. Reese has had some difficult obstacles to overcome. In 2013, she had to undergo surgery resulting from a torn hip labrum. In July of 2017, she lost her Grandfather, King David Dunomes.
“He was basically my dad. He is the reason I was in track and field and that was very devastating and a big blow to me, Reese said.” She dedicated her most recent gold medal winning performance to him at the 2017 World Outdoor Championships in London.
Her ability to overcome tough times and persevere is what truly defines Reese as an Olympic athlete. Never wavering under pressure and possessing the uncanny ability to bounce back from error to deliver a bigger and better performance. As a person passionate about children, that is an example she wants to leave behind for young athletes of any sport.
“I want the kids to know that I was an athlete that never gave up,” she said. That is what “Icon” is about. “I have had hardships leading up to multiple hardships and that didn’t keep me from achieving my goals and getting gold medals. I want them to know that they can accomplish whatever they want in life.”
If they follow her example, they will.
Britney Reese on social media:
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