HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) -
An Olympic gold medalist from Mississippi was in Hattiesburg Saturday, helping to spread the message of healthy living through exercise and a proper diet. Bianca Knight, who won a gold medal in track and field at the London Olympic games just three months ago, carried an Olympic-style torch to Town Square Park Saturday morning, to kick-off the second annual Healthy Hometown Extravaganza.
It featured a healthy chef cook-off, different types of dances and displays of martial arts.
"You know, us being named the most obese state in the nation and with our children the most obese, it's something that we're not proud of and we've got to take hold to it," said Johnny Dupree, mayor of Hattiesburg. "
"Kids do what they like, instead of what they need to be doing, so if I can just encourage them to stay away from the candy, stay away from the drinks or just at least do it in moderation, then I'll be cool with that," said Bianca Knight, was was presented a proclamation and a key to the city by Mayor Dupree.
Knight won her medal as part of the U.S. 4 x 100 meter relay team.
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Olympic Gold Medalist Bianca Knight receives a key to the City of Hattiesburg from Mayor Johnny Dupree Saturday.
