KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Another West Michigander is heading to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris to compete in the decathlon.
Kalamazoo man Heath Baldwin recently secured a spot at this summer's Olympic games after coming in first place at trials in his sport.
Hundreds showed up to Baldwin's high school, Hackett Catholic Prep, on Thursday for a special sendoff celebration.
"It's just insane to see all the support I'm getting," Baldwin said.
He holds a long list of titles and accomplishments starting in high school through his time at both Michigan and Michigan State where he just earned his master's degree.
Baldwin's high school track coach and other school leaders spoke to the crowd about how he is both a stellar athlete and human being.
Baldwin showed off a tattoo of his dad's signature on the inside of his arm at the sendoff. While his dad has passed away, the young athlete said he still carries his dad's spirit with him in life and on the track.
"That obviously changed my perspective on the way I train and the way I live. So I'm not trying to take any time for granted, and I'm constantly, always trying to remember that and really live in a way that he would be proud of."
Baldwin's mom Suzanne and his siblings will head to Paris to cheer him on. She said knowing so many people are also cheering him on from back home is incredible.
"He's just been very lucky to have all the support that he's had," she said.
Baldwin was presented with a high school hurdle and sign to be posted at the track in his honor at the sendoff.
As for his next hurdle, he said he can't wait to represent the United State for the first time.
"Once I get out on the track, everything just feels natural to me. It kind of just entered a flow state, and I can do my thing."
Baldwin will first head to Germany next week, and then Paris. He competes in early August.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.