Sports

A memorable day with the ‘Coldwater Comet’

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COLDWATER, Miss. – There is only one "Coldwater Comet" and Trell Kimmons is that man. The 500-plus family, friends and well-wishers who recently turned out for the Trell Kimmons' Day Parade and Celebration had no trouble recognizing him.

The parade and celebration – held on the John Hankerson Memorial Track Field – was a homecoming for the Olympic Silver Medalist, who had returned home just two days earlier.

Kimmons won the 60-meter and 200-meter Indoor National Junior College Championship in 2006 and the 200-meter Outdoor National Junior College Championship in 2005. A three-time All-American at Hinds Junior College, Kimmons committed to Mississippi State University, opting instead to go pro. In London at the 2012 Olympics, he helped the 4x400 relay team to a silver medal.

The parade, which started on East Service Drive at Central Avenue, proceeded down Central Avenue, east over the railroad bridge, pass the library to the track field. Athletes and cheerleaders from area high schools, local dignitaries and floats all helped accent the parade.

An invocation preceded the National Anthem, which gave way to a welcome and remarks by Chip Johnson, Mayor of Hernando and President of the Mississippi Municipal League.

"Today you can be anything you want to be, if you set your mind to it," said Johnson, noting that as a high school student he never imagined becoming the mayor. "Mississippi does not get a lot of good publicity, but Trell has made us proud."

Arthur Avant, Kimmons' trainer, was introduced for remarks.

"Trell was the fastest person in the world in the 60 meter. He holds the world's record," said Avant, pointing out that Kimmons, nevertheless, was still a humble person.

Coldwater Mayor Jessie J. Edwards gave the celebratory address, thanking all the hard-workers for making it happen. He dipped into Shakespeare – "Julius Caesar, Act 4, scene 3" – and asserted that Kimmons had taken advantage of his opportunity, as did Brutus and Cassius in the play. He then presented Kimmons with a proclamation a key to the city.

Coldwater's Comet thanked everyone for their support, saying his constant thoughts while in London were about the people at home pulling for him. That made him want to do his best.

Kimmons thanked his grandmothers, Mrs. Lillie B. Young and Mrs. Barbara Kimmons-Miller, for his upbringing and for keeping him focused. He also had thanks for his high school and junior high coaches, Wert Spiva and Reggie Hankerson, and for his college coach, Reggie Dillon of Hinds Community College.

Several musical renditions from

The Rosa Fort High School Marching Band sounded out several musical numbers before the program committee chairperson thanked everyone for their kindred spirit and cooperation.

And the benediction sealed a day to remember!