BRANDON CARNES CELEBRATED IN MANATEE COUNTY
It was a week for celebration for Bradenton native Brandon Carnes when he returned home for a visit last week. Earlier in September, Carnes became the first athlete from Manatee and Sarasota Counties to win a gold medal in track and field. That win came in the men’s 4×100 relay at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Carnes is a professional American sprinter for Team USA. He is a 2013 graduate of Manatee High School where he lettered in football, all four years in track and field and holds the school record in the 100 and 200 meters, and in the 4×100 meter relay.
On Monday, Carnes spoke with students at Electa Lee Middle School in Bradenton. He shared his story about how track became his only sport. “I started out running track and playing football but track ended up being my sole sport,” he said. “I didn’t think track was going to take me to many different places but I had the opportunity to compete in Switzerland, the UK, Europe, Jamaica, Germany, Belgium, Poland, China, Japan, Bahamas and Budapest. I can truly say that this sport has taken me all around the world.”
Carnes advised the students to learn from what he was taught many years ago.
“When I was in middle school, on my way to high school, my coach told me to always be the best that I can be, so I ran with that. That’s my message to you today. I’m not perfect, but I try to be one percent better each day. We can all strive to be a better person and that motivation will take you a lot of places.
I knew that my journey would be difficult but you have to be okay with that and put in the work. You all have a God-given talent – that’s your craft, that’s who you are. It starts in the classroom, doing the right thing and keeping a positive attitude each and every day.
Don’t quit and don’t give up on yourself. It may be hard at times but don’t ever give up.”
On Tuesday, the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners presented Carnes with a Proclamation naming October 10, 2023 as Brandon Carnes Day in Manatee County. Other proclamations came from the City of Bradenton and the City of Palmetto. He also had an opportunity to speak with staff at the Sarasota County Health Department. The week-long celebrations ended with a meet and greet event on Friday at the Palmetto Youth Center with autograph signings, pictures and food.
“This week was fun, truly a blessing, and just what I needed before I start training for next season,”
Carnes said. “Remembering why I do what I do, and seeing the impact it has first hand was great to see. Having the support from my family, friends, and the community means more than words can describe. I’m praying, if the Lord’s willing, that 2024 will be even more of a break out season for me!
Next up for Brandon Carnes: the 2024 Olympics. Stay tuned.
