Lynnzee Brown, a 25-year-old gymnast, is set to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She will become the first Haitian female gymnast to compete in the Games, representing Team Haiti in the women’s qualification round on July 28.
Olympic Dream Realized: Brown’s Journey to Paris 2024
Brown secured her Olympic spot through a university place qualification granted by the Olympic Games Tripartite Commission. This opportunity promotes diversity in Olympic representation for countries with limited athlete participation.
“I’m grateful for this journey and those who have supported me through it,” Brown shared with Penn State Athletics. “I am honored that the Haitian federation is supporting me through this process.”
Originally from Raytown, Missouri, Brown has strong familial ties to Haiti through her father, a native of the country.
From College Star to Olympic Hopeful
Brown’s gymnastics career flourished at the University of Denver. She earned an NCAA national title on the floor in 2019 and clinched four Big 12 Conference championships.
Her collegiate achievements include:
- 20 WCGA All-American honors
- Denver records for highest all-around score (39.825)
- Most career-perfect 10.0s (five)
After graduating, Brown transitioned to an assistant coaching role at Penn State in 2023.
International Success Paves the Way to Paris
Brown’s Olympic journey was fueled by impressive performances in international competitions. She competed at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp and multiple Pan-American events.
At the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Brown achieved a personal-best score of 48.133, finishing 14th overall.
Recently, she competed at the 2024 Pan American Championships in Santa Marta, Colombia. Brown placed 18th in the all-around final with a score of 45.601, despite facing two Achilles injuries last year.
Making History: Haiti’s Olympic Representation
Brown’s historic achievement parallels the significance of Haiti’s own revolutionary history. The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) led to Haiti’s establishment as the first independent Black nation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As Brown prepares to represent Haiti on the global stage, her participation symbolizes a new chapter in Haitian sports history.
Looking Ahead: Brown’s Olympic Aspirations
Brown will compete in the women’s qualification round on July 28, aiming for a spot in the all-around final. Her journey from college star to Olympic trailblazer serves as an inspiration for future generations of Haitian athletes.
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