Hometown Advantage

Excitement surrounds the arrival of major sporting events to home fields

Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I can remember the excitement of the 2002 Winter Olympics being held in my hometown.

The location decision took place seven years prior, after many failed attempts. The city’s developmental preparation for the event’s state-of-the-art sports facilities and necessary infrastructure began years and even decades before applying. It takes strategic and thoughtful leaders with foresight to see the opportunities and the foundation that needs to take place for a “what if” scenario to become a definitive plan.

My high school’s drill team had the opportunity to try out to be a part of the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Many of the girls performing at that opening ceremony were teammates of mine, and it was all so magical. At 16 years old, I truly didn’t even realize the uniqueness of this opportunity. It was only later in life, reflecting back, that I began to fathom how special it was to witness these incredible athletes firsthand.

It was so cool to observe the women’s bobsled team making its Olympic debut. And it was amazing seeing the USA dominate the podium on the men’s half-pipe snowboarding event with Ross Powers taking gold, Danny Kass silver, and Jarret “JJ” Thomas bronze, all on a mountain that I had carved through the snow on during that same season.

As impressive as the sporting events were, the magic took place in the ripple of offerings throughout the region and the people who were visiting during it.

Just a couple hours east of the Emerald Coast, Tallahassee has an even more unique sporting event coming to town. The World Athletics Cross Country Championships are taking place on January 10, 2026 at Apalachee Regional Park’s cross-country course. The overarching vision and leadership required to establish this world-class cross-country facility was thanks to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners and their Division of Tourism, with construction starting back in 2008.

Projects and people like this have the foresight to see a beautiful opportunity that aligns with what Tallahassee is all about.

I encourage you to take advantage of witnessing and participating in this historical event. This is not only the first time a Florida venue is to host this prestigious global event, but this is only the third time it has returned to the United States in 34 years, since its first time in 1992 and 1984 before that.

The elite competition will host a variety of age groups from the 60 countries that will be represented. Not only will there be sporting events to watch, but there will also be local activations for the entire family to enjoy, including a fun run to get our local community out and moving.

I will never forget being 16 and watching the Olympics happen in my hometown. The resilience, strength, and talent of these athletes inspire me to this day. I encourage all Emerald Coast locals to get out and witness this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Don’t let this event pass you by. You don’t want to regret being moments away from witnessing something truly incredible because you decided to stay home.

For more information on the event, go to VisitTallahassee.com/worldxctallahassee26.

You never know what young girl or boy will be inspired by witnessing the exhilaration of the human mind and body’s potential strength and ability.

I look forward to seeing you out there,

McKenzie Burleigh

Phot by Sean Murphy