Atlanta native to compete in Rio Olympics

ATLANTA — A local woman is headed to the Olympics and she's not just going for the gold.

Kristi Castlin's father was murdered in Cobb County during a robbery and she was a student at Virginia Tech during a shooting spree there.

When she goes for the gold, she plans on telling the world that gun violence needs to stop.

“It's always good to not only represent your country but represent the city of Atlanta,” Castlin said.

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Castlin will be competing in the 100-meter hurdles.

She also will be using her worldwide platform to speak about the hurdles she's had in her life.

“We really just need to stop the gun violence across the board,” Castlin said.

The hurdler has seen violence up close.

Her freshman class was placed on lock down while a gunman murdered 32 people at Virginia Tech.

“That could have been anyone's classroom. That could have been my classroom,” Castlin said. %

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She was 12 years old when a gunman went into a Cobb County hotel and murdered her father, the night manager, during a robbery.

“There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him and every time I run,” Castlin said.

So Castlin will be using the Olympic stage to share a simple message.

That we all need to work together to find peace and focus on positivity.

“So that young kids and people that really don't know can really be inspired for change,” Castlin said.

That message will be easier to spread if she wins the gold.

“I think it will be a great story to tell to motivate young people,” Castlin said.

A retired teacher in Douglas County is asking people who support Castlin to show up at Chapel High School Thursday at 7 p.m.

People are encouraged to wear red, white and blue attire and bring flags. You will be in a video to show your support.

Cox Media Group