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Congratulating, Recognizing, and Honoring Taylor Ellis-Watson for Earning a Gold Medal in the Women’s 4x400 Meter Relay Event at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
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WHEREAS, Taylor Ellis-Watson was raised in Philadelphia and burst onto the scene as a standout track star at the Springside School (now Springside Chestnut Hill Academy). She was named the 2011 indoor and outdoor state track champion and was honored as a 2011 All-American for indoor track, finishing in 5th place at the 2011 indoor nationals meet; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Ellis-Watson enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where she broke the school record in the 300 meter dash in her first collegiate meet. She would go on to be named All-Big East and All-American at the conclusion of her freshman year; and
WHEREAS, Taylor Ellis-Watson transferred to the University of Arkansas, competing with the Razorbacks in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). At the conclusion of her collegiate career, Taylor Ellis-Watson was a 4-time NCAA Outdoor All-American in the 400 meters and the 4x400 meter relay and a 5-time NCAA Indoor All-American in the same events. She was the 2015 SEC Outdoor Champion in the 400 meters, made the 2015 Outdoor First Team All-SEC in the 400 meters, was a 4-time NCAA Indoor Runner-Up in the 400 meters and the 4x400 meter relay, and made the 2016 Indoor First Team All-SEC in the 400 meters. On top of all of these accomplishments, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and was named the 2016 SEC Indoor Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year; and
WHEREAS, A personal-best time of 50.25 seconds in the 400 meters at the United States Track and Field Olympic Team Trials stamped Taylor Ellis-Watson’s ticket to the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Ellis-Watson ran with Courtney Okolo, Francena McCorory, and Phyllis Francis to win their opening heat of the 4x400 meter relay. The American team eventually won its 6th straight Olympic gold medal in the event. As a member of the official relay pool, Taylor Ellis-Watson was awarded her first Olympic gold medal; and
WHEREAS, For her success, talent, dedication, and hard work, Taylor Ellis-Watson is an inspiring role model for young athletes in Philadelphia and across the nation. Philadelphia is proud to have raised an Olympic champion like Taylor Ellis-Watson, and it joins the rest of the nation in offering its congratulations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we congratulate, recognize, and honor Taylor Ellis-Watson for earning a gold medal in the women’s 4x400 meter relay event at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Taylor Ellis-Watson, evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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