By Tihut Tamrat, Contributing Writer
On Saturday, September 7th, Robert E. Dean, Co-Host of The Wake Up Morning Show of GODRadio1.com, put a celebration together to elevate and acknowledge local history maker Jackie Thompson, San Diego’s first Black female Olympian and Track and Field legend of the 1972 Summer Olympics. This event brought the whole community together in the middle of the day at St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church, showing their love and support for Ms. Thompson despite the injustices she faced as a Black female athlete.
Jackie Thompson, San Diegan resident, and former Lincoln High School senior, unquestionably earned her spot in the Summer Olympic Games. She arrived at the Saturday event looking radiant and ready to be celebrated for her overshadowed and overlooked accomplishments, having been cheated out of her win in the finalists’ race. Forever known for her swift feet and long strides, “The Gazelle”, as she is affectionately known, was coached by Audrey Mickey Patterson, the first African-American woman to win an Olympic medal. Patterson’s group, the Mickey’s Missiles, also known as Southeastern’s powerhouse track team, reunited at the church to be recognized by the community after 52 years.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s representative, Korral Taylor, who is the Community Representative for Districts 4 and 7, officially proclaimed September 7th, 2024 as ‘Jackie Thompson Day’. The long-awaited recognition came as applause and cheers rung from inside the Church walls.
Testimonials and kind words from high school friends, coaches, and Ms. Thomspon’s son showed the admiration, love, and care the community had for Thompsom, being the first Black woman to win a medal for San Diego.
Finally, Jackie Thompson has been honored by the City of San Diego and her community for her remarkable achievements, reuniting with old teammates on Jackie Thompson Day!
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