McKenzie, Tenn.–Kirsten Winkler Sass of McKenzie was given tremendous sendoffs in Carroll County Thursday as she heads to Tokyo to participate in the Paralympics Triathlon.
Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler and McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland read proclamations honoring her. Children and adults lined roadways in both McKenzie and Huntingdon. Staff at the Baptist Hospital-Carroll County in Huntingdon also gave her a send-off with signs of good luck.
She and Amy Dixon, a legally blind athlete, of California will compete for the USA as a team. After training together over the past four years, they will swim 750 meters, bike 20 kilometers and run five kilometers.
Sass and Dixon will compete August 27.
Top photo: Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler, left, and McKenzie City Mayor Jill Holland read proclamations for Kirsten, middle. (Jennifer Waldrup photo)
Staff at Baptist Hospital-Carroll County gave Sass a send-off Thursday, also. (Baptist Hospital photo).