IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) – After securing her spot on the United States Olympic Team, McKenzie Long celebrated with family and friends outside of Hayward Field. Among those beaming with pride was Anissa Campbell.
“I’m immediately a mama bear. I even said, ‘I’m her track fairy godmother!’ ” Campbell said.
Campbell, Ironton High School’s most decorated track and field athlete who ran track at the University of Tennessee, grew up with Long’s parents. She currently lives in Houston and had been keeping up with McKenzie’s accomplishments through posts on social media.
“Her mom was posting about her track career and I just became a fan like, oh my gosh this is great! Someone from the hometown!” Campbell said.
The two speedsters share a hometown, a world class skillset on the track, and both lost their mothers at a young age. When McKenzie’s mother suddenly passed away in January, Campbell reached out.
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