Haitian-American gymnast Lynzee Brown makes history by becoming the first gymnast to represent Haiti at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This summer in Paris, the Haitian flag will be flying thanks in part to Lynzee Brown, a former student at the University of Denver, who earned her spot at the Games by receiving the universality invitation for artistic gymnastics. Originally from Raytown, Missouri, and of Haitian descent, she began her Olympic journey in May 2023 at the Pan American Championships in Medellin, Colombia.
At the University of Denver, Brown distinguished herself with remarkable performances, participating several times in the NCAA championships where she won individual titles and contributed to the success of her team. She excelled in particular on the floor and vault, disciplines in which she obtained high scores.
To qualify for the Games, Brown also competed at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, finishing 82nd with a score of 47.766, insufficient for a direct berth at the Olympics. At the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, she finished 13th, and fourth among gymnasts eligible for the Paris 2024 Olympic qualification. Last May, at the 2024 Pan American Championships in Santa Marta, Colombia, she finished 18th with a score of 45.601.
Lynzee Brown’s qualification represents not only her personal talents but also the hope and pride of an entire nation. By wearing the colors of Haiti at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she embodies the dreams and ambitions of many Haitians, putting Haiti on the world gymnastics map. Her participation will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
Let us also remember that Pierre Yvenel Augustin Stephan, a French-Haitian gymnast residing in Antibes, France and licensed with the Vallauris club, becomes the first male representative of Haiti in this discipline at the Olympic Games which will begin in Paris on July 26. A historic year for Haiti at this year’s Olympic Games.
