ST. MARY PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- An Olympic gold medalist returned to his old stomping grounds of Morgan City on Wednesday for a meet-and-greet at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.

Vernon Norwood was celebrated by family, friends and the community in grand fashion after a record setting summer in Paris. Seeing familiar faces and the affection of the community was something Norwood was especially thankful for.

"It just means a lot that I had the support and the love from my family, my friends, you know, it meant a lot because I worked extremely hard to be in the position that was in. Obviously, I wanted to get the open 400, but things didn't pan out that way," he said. "But I still was able to go out and run extremely well for the relays and come out with two medals and a world record."

That Olympic record was set in the men's 4x400 meter relay with a time of 2:54.43 seconds. Norwood thought back to when he realized this relay was going to be a special moment.

"I just think that we all had just locked in. We knew it was going to take two to be able to compete at the high level, but I think as soon as the moment when the gun went off, we just knew that we had to compete. I think throughout the rounds, I mean, I think throughout each leg, we gave a minute to each other from my from the second leg to myself, to Bryce, to Rai Bejamin," he said.

"We got chased to the very last end of the line. So, to come away with a championship record very close to the world record. It means a lot. It was very fun to be a part of and hopefully we could do the same thing in 2028," he continued.

The celebration for the man raised in Morgan City began with Tim Hymel announcing that Morgan City mayor and council approved a proclamation on to make Sept. 25 "Vernon 'Tootie' Norwood day."

The community also enjoyed dinner and a video essay by Morgan City High School student Micah Wilkerson titled "The Real Vernon." Norwood capped off the night taking pictures and signing autographs for his supporters.

"I just try to do my best to represent the city of Morgan City, myself, and my family. So, it means a lot for everyone to come out, you know? Mr. Tim Hymel, Ms. Catherine Holcomb, everybody that put together this event for me. It means a lot to me because, you know, I'm a very calm, quiet guy," he said.

"For me to have this recognition and stuff like that means a lot to me, especially for my family as well to happen to be here today too. Hey, I love y'all. Everybody. Morgan City, man. I bleed green and white. I appreciate y'all so much. I love you from the bottom of my heart," he continued.

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