ELYRIA — Ely Square will be a sea of red and white ribbons and a banner celebrating, honoring and encouraging Elyria native Tianna Bartoletta as she prepares to compete in her second Olympics games in Rio.
Mayor Holly Brinda has proclaimed Aug. 12, 16 and 18 as Olympian Tianna Bartoletta Days.

USA's Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter celebrate their gold medal win after the women's 4x100-meter during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012.
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“Tianna’s hometown of Elyria is so very proud of her, and we are encouraging residents to show their support by joining the city and displaying red and white ribbons, the color of Tianna’s Elyria High School alma mater, in visible places, like outdoor lanterns, doors and fences,” Brinda said.
Bartoletta will compete at 10:55 a.m. Friday in the women’s 100 meter, 8:05 p.m. Aug. 16 in the women’s long jump and 10:20 a.m. Aug. 18 in the Women’s 4x100 meter relay.
“Of course we want her to win, but regardless, she’s already an Olympic and world champion and a hero to many young girls and others in her hometown,” Brinda said. “On and off the track, whether it’s been in world class athletic competitions, academic classrooms or taking time out to mentor young girls, Tianna has already proven she is a world-class human being.”
Ranked No. 1 in the world in the women’s long jump, Bartoletta’s athletic accomplishments are too many to mention, but some highlights include U.S.A. outdoor champion — 100 meter; U.S.A. indoor champion — 60 meter; gold medal – long jump, 2015 World Outdoor Championships; gold medal — long jump, 2005 Helsinki World Championships; silver medal — long jump, 2006 Moscow World Championships; bronze medal — 60 meter, Istanbul World Indoor Championships; gold medal — 4x100 relay, 2012 London Olympic Games; and more.
“We wish Tianna all the strength necessary to compete among the most elite athletes on this planet, and we are sending across the continents the well wishes of over 54,000 of her strongest supporters in Elyria, Ohio,” Brinda said.
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