ATLANTA — After leaving the city of love with a gold medal around his neck, Olympian track star Chris Bailey received an honor from his former metro Atlanta high school.
Bailey took home the gold after running a leg in the men's 4x400-meter relay with Team USA. He finished sixth in his other event at the Paris Olympics.
On Thursday, Carver Early College honored him with an honorary faculty member award.
"It feels amazing to be here. Throughout my entire career in track & field whether that be collegiately or professionally. I just always had support coming from Atlanta, specifically from my former high school," he said. "And you know it's just amazing for me to come back here and show them my hard work within this medal here."
He started running track at the school in 11th grade, graduating in 2018. He continued competing in track and field events in his collegiate career at Mississippi Valley State University, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Arkansas.
Bailey was amazed by his school's progress and growth in the athletics department during his visit.
"When I was here, Carver wasn't big on track and field, so to learn that the track and field program is growing and they are also including many more sports that weren't prevalent when I was here, it's just an amazing feeling to show the women and men that it is possible to achieve your goals coming from Atlanta. It's just a great feeling in itself," he said.
He left a message of hope, adding the sky isn't the limit when chasing your dreams.
"My message is always to chase your dreams and goals no matter how far-fetched they may seem. It is possible. With the right support system, you can achieve anything you want," he said.
Thursday was a full circle moment for the Olympian, who told 11Alive he wants to keep competing at the Olympic and World Championship levels.
Chris Bailey (400 meters) - Online bio
More about this athlete: Chris Bailey represented Team USA in the 4x400m relay in Paris. The 24-year-old was born in Atlanta and went to Carver High School. After graduating high school, Bailey went to Mississippi Valley State University, the University of Tennessee and then later attended the University of Arkansas.
Bailey received his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Tennessee in 2022 and received his master's degree in operations management from Arkansas in 2024.
While at Arkansas, Bailey won the NCAA Indoors 4x400m title in March 2023.