Olympic gold medalists celebrated in Queens

Decorated Olympians Tina Charles and Dalilah Muhammad received keys to Queens on Friday.Eagle photo by Rachel Vick

By Rachel Vick

Olympic gold medalists Dalilah Muhammad and Tina Charles returned triumphant and emotional to their home borough Friday morning to receive local honors.

Borough President Donovan Richards presented the home-grown icons with symbolic keys to the borough and proclaimed Oct. 1 Dalilah Muhammad and Tina Charles Day in honor of their achievements.

“Dalilah Muhammad and Tina Charles are more than just legendary athletes and Olympic champions,” Richards said. “They are role models and inspirations to the countless young people of our borough — kids who now know that with hard work and dedication, there is no limit to what a child of Queens can achieve.”

Muhammad, from Rochdale Village, earned a silver medal for the 400-meter hurdles and her second career gold after winning the 4x400-meter relay as part of an all-star team. In 2019, she broke and set a record for the 400 meter hurdles — reaching new heights after “just growing up a little girl from Queens with a dream.”

Charles, who has won gold with Team USA basketball in 2012, 2016 and 2021, grew up in East Elmhurst and was named an All-American while playing for Christ the King. She is the WNBA’s reigning scoring champion and an eight-time All-Star, and has made philanthropic efforts focused on supporting schools.

She said that recognizing her Queens roots is but “what means more to me is the fact that you all and the youth came to see us up here… I hope one day you aspire to be up here too.”

Councilmember Adrienne Adams, who co-hosted the event, commended the athletes on their accomplishments and the example they set for the young women from Southeast Queens shooting for the stars.

“To know these two incredible women grew up in Southeast Queens, went to school in this borough… and went on to Olympic heights, I can’t help but feel tremendous pride,” Adams said, describing them as “graceful, humble and thoughtful individuals.”

“What is so very special about these athletes and Olympic gold medalists is not how they compete… it's the way they've done it,” she added. “They are truly role models for young girls across the country but especially in our communities who can see themselves in their success.”

Alums from Cardozo High School, students from Christ the King and 2021 Junior Olympians from the Metro Eagles youth track and field team were in attendance to cheer on the two women.

The Junior Olympians also received proclamations from both the City Council and Borough President, walking away with accolades and a real life example of what can come of dedication to their sport.

“It’s inspiring because you have little ones coming up and [they can see] where hard work pays off,” said Joann E., whose daughters compete on the team. “When you see the product of the sweat and tears it keeps you driven“