Olympic gold medalist Alexis Holmes, a Hamden native, recently returned to Connecticut for a two-week homecoming tour after achieving victory with Team USA in the 4×400 relay. Holmes’ tour began with a special meet and greet at Southern Connecticut State University’s Lyman Center, where she connected with members of the SCSU track and field team and local athletes from New Haven Age Group Track Club, which she joined at age four. Her deep ties to Southern include her mother, Dawn Stanton, ’90, MS ’97, who was a Hall of Fame track athlete while a student at the university and who now works there. Reflecting on her journey, Holmes expressed gratitude for returning to her roots and shared her excitement about inspiring young athletes who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
During her visit, Holmes engaged in a moderated conversation with NBC Connecticut’s Gabrielle Lucivero, answering questions on a variety of topics, including the intensity of Olympic training, mental health, and balancing academics with athletics. With several engagements planned, Holmes will also be honored by her high school, Cheshire Academy, and will visit local organizations and schools. Despite a packed schedule, Holmes is prioritizing rest before training begins again for next year’s Indoor and Outdoor World Championships. She hopes to inspire others with her “gold medal mentality,” a focus on relentless dedication and preparation.
Click here to read the full article in CT Insider, “Connecticut Olympic gold medalist Alexis Holmes returns home to speak at Southern” (CT Insider, Will Aldam, Oct. 31, 2024).
