NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Two Queens natives were recognized on Friday for their Gold Medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with keys to the borough and with a day named in their honor for their historic accomplishments.
Track runner Dalilah Muhammad, who in 2016 became the first American woman to win a gold medal for the 400-meter hurdle, and WNBA basketball star Tina Charles were celebrated in a ceremony, presented with keys by Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr.
City Council Member Adrienne Adams, who represents Rochdale Village, where Muhammad hails from — co-sponsored the event and remarked on their gold medal wins.
"These two young women are truly the Queens of Queens," Adams said.
Charles, a graduate of Christ the King High School in Middle Village, won gold as part of the Women's Basketball Team during the London 2012 and Rio 2016 and this year's games — helping the team win its seventh gold straight medal.
The Washington Mystics player spoke directly to the student athletes in attendance from her alma mater, telling them while her "roots mean everything," she hopes she and Muhammad inspire them.
"What means more to me is the fact that you all and the youth can see us two up here and I hope one day you guys aspire to be up here too," Charles said.
