Diamond Jenkins
Blue & White Flash / Associate editor
Blackburn Middle School 6th, 7thand 8h graders cheered for gold medalist Bianca Knight and silver Medalist Michael Tinsley as they entered the gym on Thursday, Oct.18. Students and faculty members at the school, which neighbors Jackson State University, were given the opportunity to meet the 2012 London Olympians. Tinsley and Knight visited the school to speak to the students on why education is important.
“I want to express to you the importance of education. At this young age, start now. Don’t postpone your education and don’t take advantage what your teacher tells you,” Knight advised to the middle school students, “Always study and do your best on every test because ultimately you’re going to have only four years to prepare for the rest of your life.”
American track and field athlete, Knight, showed the students her gold medal from running the 4×100 meters as an American relay team member.
Knight, an alumnus of Ridgeland High School in Jackson and University of Texas freshman, won the female Gatorade Athlete of the Year in track & field in 2006. Turning professional following her freshman indoor campaign, she finished 5th at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 200 meters.
“Athletics don’t last forever, you have to apply yourself to your education because your grades pave the way,” she said.
Even though it is four years away, Knight also plans to participate in the 2016 Olympics saying,
“I am looking to be in Rio and come back with three medals to go along with the one I have now.”
Tinsley won his first heat in the 400-meter hurdles at the Olympicsin 49.13 seconds. He then won his semifinal in a season best time of 48.13 seconds.On Aug. 6, Tinsley won silver at the 2012 London Olympics in the 400 meters hurdles, in a new personal best time of 47.91.
“It took a lot of work to get to where I am today, you just have to be your own person,” he advised the students. “Sports may not be in your interest or the best thing for you, but you have to work hard. My biggest memory in the Olympics is actually crossing that line and realizing what I had accomplished.”
Tinsley light-heartedly added the importance of maintaining your nutrition and eating school luch.
“It is very important to eat your school lunch because food gives you energy for class; it is very important to eat your three meals a day.
Blackburn Principal, Marietta Carter said that she was honored to have had the Olympians visit her school.
“It has been truly an honor for the students to get to hear Michael and Bianca speak today. I feel that my students will be inspired to do their best and know that their goals are not unreachable. I thank them for coming and we have really enjoyed them today.”
When asked about his future goals Tinsley said, “I am always able to stay humble because my faith,” Tinsley said, “My faith in god just helped me choose the right path. Never give up and always go after your dream. Listen to your parents because it pays off.”
Tinslley stated that he also plans to go to Brazil for the Olympic Games in 2016.
Tinsley will be one of the grand marshals tomorrow in the JSU Homecoming Parade, which starts at 9 a.m. Oct. 20.
