Chicago's Own 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Shamier Little Returns Home to Washington Park

Olympian credits Park District programs for her start in track; inspires Chicago youth to chase their dreams

Saturday, October 5th, 10:15am to 12pm, Chicago welcomes 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist Shamier Little home during a celebration at Washington Park, 5531 S. King Drive hosted by Chicago Park District in partnership with BOWA Gives. This will mark Little's first return home since competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris where she earned a Gold medal in the 4x400 relay women's and a Silver in the 4x400 relay mixed.

Highlights of the celebration will include light track activities, a meet and greet with the Shamir Little and a speaking program at 10:30am featuring inspirational remarks from the Olympian about her journey from her very first Chicago Park District track meet at the age of five to her rise to the 2024 Olympics. Chicago Park District General leadership, BOWA Gives, local elected officials and hundreds of youth track and field athletes, supporters and community members will attend to celebrate her tremendous accomplishments.

"We are so excited to welcome Shamier home and celebrate her Olympic Gold and Bronze medal wins in Paris this Summer," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. "Shamier's journey began in Chicago parks where she and so many accomplished athletes, artists, public servants and other young professionals were introduced to their life-long interests and passions. Her story exemplifies the importance of providing program opportunities that invest in our youth and allow them to explore their interests and realize their fullest potential."

"BOWA Gives is honored to support this special celebration for Shamier. As a dedicated supporter of our organization and a guest at our inaugural all-girls track invite last year, we were eager to be part of this momentous occasion," said Ashley Ehimwenman, Executive Director of BOWA Gives.

American track and field sprinter, Shamier Little's road to the 2024 Olympics began when she participated in the Little Feet run at Mandrake Park. At age eight, she'd made her first appearance on the national level at the 2004 USATF Youth Championships as a 100-meter sprinter. By the time Shamier entered high school at Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy in Chicago, Little was setting Class 2A records in 100 meters hurdles and the 200 and 400 meters. She earned an athletic scholarship to Texas A&M University, where she became a three-time 400-meter Hurdle Outdoor National Champion, while setting several school records. Shamier represented the US at the 2012 World Junior Championships and returned in 2014 placing first; in 2015 placing 2nd; in 2022 placing 4th and in 2023 placing 2nd.

"I'm really excited to be back home and with some extra hardware. Chicago and the Chicago Park District has played such an integral role in my upbringing since I was super active as a kid. To have this celebration in Washington Park is very sentimental to me."

In addition to her Olympic Gold and Silver medals, Shamier has also earned seven world rankings in the 400-meter hurdles; a national and world, all-top time record and a multitude of career highlights.