July 24, 2017
By Tori Sisson
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. - National champion. Three-time Olympic medalist. Auburn woman. Kerron Stewart's accomplishments are many.
When Stewart arrived on the Plains from Jamaica, she knew her decision to become an Auburn Tiger was the right one, thanks to support from Auburn's coaching staff.
"[Assistant head] coach [Henry] Rolle was always such a mentor for me," Stewart said. "At every race he would sit very close to the track so that he was one of the first people I would see as I lined up behind the block, so that was very special."
Stewart was a key member of the team that won the women's outdoor track & field national championship for Auburn in 2006.
"That was very cool," said Stewart. "I think it was the first in the school's history. That was a big thing for me."
After playing an instrumental part in Auburn's track and field success, Stewart began her professional career, leading her to two Olympics. Stewart won silver in the 100 meters and bronze in the 200 in Beijing in 2008, and silver in the 4 x 100 relay in London in 2012.
"My Olympic experience was a great moment in my life that I will always cherish," Stewart said. "Even when you're retired and you walk away from the sport, you will always have those memories no matter what. And you will always know what you were able to do and contribute to the sport."
Stewart says that her time at Auburn was very helpful in preparing her for her professional career.
"It prepared me in so many ways, it made me a professional," Stewart said. "Just the environment, the people, the coaching. It helped to shape my life and my mindset and my career."
With so many positive experiences, Stewart has decided to remain in Auburn.
"It is my second home," she said. "When I came to school here I was a young lady, but now I am truly a woman, and I'm still in Auburn and I love it."