In a celebratory display of local pride, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and commissioners presented six of Miami-Dade County’s own with golden keys in honor of their accomplishments in the Paris Olympic games.
The custom-made keys, distributed during a ceremony on Wednesday, serve as a symbol of the doors they’ve opened for future generations, reminding young athletes to dream big and work hard. They were presented to Miami Heat star and two-time gold medalist — the most of any Heat player — Bam Adebayo, and Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry, who clinched the gold running in the women’s 4x100m relay.
Daniella Ramirez was also honored with a key after bringing home a silver medal in the artistic swimming team event, a first for the U.S. in 20 years.
Among those given the prestigious honor as well were judoka Angelica Delgado, sailor Sarah Newberry Moore and triple jumper Russell Robinson.
Several familiar faces were also seen at the ceremony, held at the Stephen P. Clark Center, such as Heat legend Udonis Haslem and WNBA star A’ja Wilson, who was named MVP of the women’s basketball Olympic tournament.
Additionally, student-athletes from Terry’s alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High School, were in the crowd to cheer her on alongside her former coach, Carmen Jackson.
Levine Cava expressed her gratitude for the athletes’ hard work and dedication, as well as the impact they’ve had not just on the county, but on the world stage.
“We celebrate not only the incredible accomplishments of these athletes but also the inspiration they provide to all of us in Miami-Dade,” she said. “Their hard work, resilience, and dedication serve as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we strive for excellence.”
“Their journeys remind us that with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” said Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III. “They have made us proud on the world stage, and so we celebrate their contributions to our county and their role as ambassadors of our community.”