Hamden native Alexis Holmes came in sixth in the women’s 400-meter final in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday, falling short of a medal, but improving on her personal best time.
The 2018 Cheshire Academy graduate finished in 49.77 in her Olympic debut, just under her personal and season’s best time of 49.78, which she ran at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
After the race, Holmes said despite not winning a medal, she is happy with her first Olympic experience.
"I'm really proud of myself. I've had a great year training-wise and just ran a personal best, so I'm just grateful for the opportunity. It means a lot to be out here representing USA, Connecticut, and Hamden," Holmes said.
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Some of her old coaches and others gathered at Cheshire Academy Friday to watch her run.
Though she didn't end up on the podium, those who were there were proud of her accomplishment of reaching the Olympics and making it to the final.
“Winning is subjective. She won, she won for us. She won for herself by setting that personal record and she got the Olympics. I imagine there’s even more great things in her future,” Cheshire Academy Head of School Julie Anderson said.
Holmes said the support from home has been key for her during her time in Paris.
"Oh my gosh. It's meant everything to me. It's really carried me the last two weeks -- just keeping me grounded. Knowing that I have that love and support, it really means a lot."
Marileidy Paulino, of the Dominican Republic, won the gold medal.
Salwa Eid Naser, of Bahrain, took the silver, and Natalia Kazmarek, of Poland took the bronze.
