Meet Melissa M. Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa M. Brown.

Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born on January 13, 1999 and was adopted at the age of 4 by Joseph and Monique Brown. My brother Franklin A. Brown and I were adopted together and our older sister, Mar’ lea Reid, was adopted by Sherry Reid. I have possibly more than nine other siblings. I started sports at four years old and pursued swimming. In middle school, I attended Woodward Academy where I added track and field to my list. I became a Georgia ranked swimmer, placing top 10 in the 50-meter freestyle eight years in a row. I Placed first in the state in 2014. I placed third in the Georgia high school state championships in 2016. In 2017 I competed in the APS championship and took home the first place title in the Girls 50 yard free, with a time of 24.96. I was a two time Scholastic All-American in High school and competed in the 2017 Junior National Speedo championships, but qualified four years in a row prior.

In 2017 I committed to swim for The University of North Carolina Asheville, but in my sophomore year, I was sponsored by Amanzi Swim. I was the first African-American to swim and receive a scholarship from the university. In track I competed for three years at Grady High School and placed top 5 at Atlanta Regions in the 200 and 400 meters. In my junior year, I joined the UNCA Women’s Track and Field team, specializing in sprints. Then I was diagnosed with CFS (Cramp Fasciculation Syndrome) . I am currently training for the Olympic games and less than a second off the Olympic Trial cut. I am training to swim in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the team City of Atlanta Dolphins (CAD) under the coaching of Tommy Jackson. Melissa has worked with the following companies and sponsors: Amanzi, Adidas Swimming, Nike Running, Calvin Klein, American Eagle, Pepsi, and Coca-Cola through Instagram affiliate programs. In High.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is smooth. During my Senior year in HighSchool, I was in a position to take home the gold at the state and qualify for the Olympic trial. In the middle of the season, I tore my hamstring. Then My freshman year in college was cut a little short because I struggled with anxiety and depression. Later my junior year in college I was diagnosed with CFS.

Please tell us about your work.
I am known for doing it all. Pretty much anything you name, I can do. I can play the piano, roller skate, skateboard, and any sport you put me in I will excel.  I am known on YouTube and other social media platforms as ATL Mel. Instagram @melissabrown.official Twitter: @melbxofficial YouTube: Atl Me.l At the University of North Carolina Asheville, I work alongside the Athletic Director Janet Cone as the SAD (Student Assistant to The Athletic Director). I am also a sportswriter for the Blue Banner, the school newspaper.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My go-getter mentality. Like anything in life, swimming is a very mental sport. If you keep a positive attitude, things will fall into place and you will be exactly where you need to be.

Contact Info:

• Email: melissa.brown34@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissabrown.official/

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