Orangeburg, S.C.— Claflin University, its athletics department, and alumni welcomed back the University’s first-ever Olympian, Brandon Valentine-Parris, on Wednesday, Aug. 24, as he arrived from competition at the 2016 Olympics contested earlier this month in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Athletics Director Dr. Jerome Fitch, Head Coach Lincoln London and Sports Information Director Romanda Noble-Watson, were on-hand when Valentine-Parris arrived at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, S.C. Wednesday afternoon.
Valentine-Parris competed in the 400 meters on Friday, Aug. 12.
After the 30-plus minute ride from Columbia to Orangeburg, members of the university administration, athletics staff, alumni, and athletes from both the men’s and women’s track and field teams, greeted Valentine-Parris on campus.
“It was amazing, truly amazing going out there and represent my country,” said Valentine-Parris in an interview with WLTX. “To run alongside the best in the world was just an awesome experience.”
Valentine-Parris thanked everyone for their continued support throughout his Olympic experience and will present President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale with mementos from the Olympics to reside in prosperity at the University at a later date.
