Pushing Through the Pain: Brittany Brown Sprints to Olympic Glory

PHOTO: Brian Ray/hawkeyesports.com After earning a bronze medal during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Brittany Brown was recognized during Iowa's football game in November against Wisconsin.

Sprinting across the finish line to take the bronze medal in the 200 meters at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, former Hawkeye speedster Brittany Brown (17BA) proved she could overcome the ebbs and flows of what turned out to be a challenging journey.

“2024 was a crazy year—from the Olympic trials to signing with Nike, and the medals, including Olympic bronze,” says Brown. “It was a great year; I rode the highs, and I rode the lows—especially at the beginning of the season.”

The highs of Brown’s sprinting career—including placing second in the 2024 Olympic trials and her bronze medal in Paris—had come after suffering several injuries and a diagnosis of endometriosis.

An Unusual Path to Iowa

Brown, a native of Fontana, California, grew up in an active sports family. Preparing for an elementary school track meet during fourth grade introduced her to running.

“I remember just feeling free, and I loved how running made me feel,” says Brown. “It was very exciting.”

By high school, she was achieving sprinting success, clinching second in the state 100 meters at the 2013 USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships. While Brown had been on a few college visits, she hadn’t found the right fit.

“A former teammate of mine had told an Iowa coach about me, and they were surprised I hadn’t signed with a school yet,” says Brown. “I loved Iowa City, and I loved what the coaches offered me. The rest is history.”

Competing as a Hawkeye from 2014–2018, the All-American set outdoor school records in the 100 and 200 meters. She also ran on 17 relay teams that rank in the top 10 all-time for best performances at Iowa.

PHOTO: Stephen Mally/hawkeyesports.com Brittany Brown runs in the 60-meter dash during the 2023 Larry Wieczorek Invitational in Iowa City.

An Incredible Olympic Season

Heading into her 2024 season, Brown’s training was delayed primarily due to a hip labrum tear, which required significant recovery time. In addition, she battled the chronic pain caused by endometriosis—a persistent and painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. Brown has endured the challenges of endometriosis for many years and recently began sharing her journey with it publicly.

“I was coming back from an injury in 2023 and really didn’t get on the track until February of 2024,” says Brown. “I trusted the process with my coach and let my body heal, and it worked out well for me.”

Brown’s persistence and inner strength—along with the support of her family, coaches, and teammates—propelled her forward.

“For the Olympic trials, the U.S. team is the hardest to make,” says Brown. “There are so many fast runners, and it was probably the most stressful week I’ve had.”

Brown persevered to take second in the 200 meters, earning her a spot on the U.S. team. In Paris, Brown sprinted against a top international field. Her teammate, Gabby Thomas, claimed gold with a time of 21.83 seconds, while Brown earned bronze with a time of 22.20 seconds.

“I came into the Olympics feeling confident, knowing I could medal,” says Brown. “Obviously, we’re all shooting for gold. That didn’t happen, but I was happy to be on that podium and feeling the energy of the crowd and all the love for track.”

Currently, Brown is living and training in Arkansas preparing for her 2025 season. This includes sprinting for Grand Slam Track, a league formed by legendary Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson.

“I’m grateful to be able to be doing this and only focus on my career,” says Brown. “I’m grateful that this is my job; this is what I do.”

With the 2028 Summer Olympics being held in her California backyard, Brown has her eye on the prize—again.

“I’m looking forward to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, especially being from Southern California,” says Brown. “It’s definitely an experience I want to repeat and improve upon.”