ATLANTA - A Chat with Atlanta resident and two time Olympian Coby Miller
Born and raised in Mississippi, two time Olympian Coby Miller moved to Atlanta from Auburn, Alabama in 2011. Coby became the first Olympic Silver Medalist from his home town of Louisville, Mississippi. “I believe we're all blessed with some type of gift.”
The FOX 5 social media team spoke Coby about his life, both personal and professional.
FOX 5: How did you land here in Georgia and how long have you been here?
Coby: I've been here in Georgia going on 5 years now. I moved here because I wanted a change of pace, and just wanted to be in a bigger city. Although, Auburn is an amazing place to live, everyone knows me there because of my success. I'm still a loyal fan, and visit often especially during football season.
FOX 5: Where did you to college?
Coby: I graduated from Auburn with a degree in Criminal Justice. I was blessed enough to be given a full scholarship during my time there. I often say that we only regret the chances we don't take. I grew up in a small town Louisville, Mississippi. Where I'm from, you have “jump” on every opportunity that comes along to make life better. I'm still thankful to this day I got attend a great school, and get a good education on a full scholarship without my parents having to pay not one penny.
FOX 5: How did you become an Olympian and which Olympics have you been in?
Coby: I competed in the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia, 2004 Olympic Games in Athens Greece, and the 2008 Olympic Trails.
FOX 5: Can you share with our fans which Olympics you were most proud to participate in and why?
Coby: I'm most proud of the Athens Olympic games because it is were I won the Silver Medal and became the first Olympic Silver Medalist from my home town of Louisville Mississippi.
It's up to us to go within, and find out what you're good at. I was discovered in my community by a man that still mentors me today M.C. Miller. In fact, he was with me for my Hall Of Fame Induction. He must have entered me in every sport competition there growing up because he knew and believed in me that I was good at sports.
As an 8th grader, I was moved up to the high school track and field team because he said I was fast as a bullet. I guess he was right because I became State Champion in two events as an 8th grader on the High School track team.
I knew then that I was fast, and set a goal that I wanted to run in the Olympics after learning about Jesse Owens, and the things he accomplished. He's still my biggest inspiration. By the time I got to High School, I was very disciplined and good at sports because of the way he pushed me to be my best. I was also on two back to back state football championships as well. I got letters from colleges all over the world from either football or track and field for a full scholarship. I ended up taking the track and field scholarship to Auburn. It was there my Olympic dreams became a reality under the great coaching of Ralph Spry.
FOX 5: What are you doing now and how are you spending your “down time?”
Coby: Right now, I'm enjoying life trying to spread kindness and love everywhere I go. Being kind to others don't cost a thing. Sometimes your words of encouragement could be exactly what someone needs hear. I also work with Autistic kids helping them be more social, and give them confidence in their abilities. I also work with kids in the summer helping them develop their athletic abilities, and mentor them to be great students in the classroom. I also help people get in shape, and drop a few pounds. I enjoy taking care of my body, and inspiring others to do the same. I’m in the process of coming up with some fitness information that will inspire people all over the world to get active which I'm excited about. I also plan to get involved with the American Kidney Foundation to help raise awesomeness for people with kidney diseases.
FOX 5 would like to thank Olympian Coby Miller for taking the time to speak with us. Follow Coby on Facebook.