Kenneth Medwood
A determined hurdler who carried the flag for Belize onto the world's biggest sporting stage at the London Olympics.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Belizean athlete·Birthday: December 14·Millennials
Biography
Kenneth Medwood's path to the Olympics was carved through the American collegiate system, far from the traditional tracks of his homeland. Excelling at California State University, Northridge, he honed the unique blend of speed and rhythm required for the 400-meter hurdles. His breakthrough came when he qualified to represent Belize at the 2011 World Championships, setting the stage for a career-defining moment a year later. In London, he earned the honor of being his nation's flagbearer in the Olympic opening ceremony, a symbolic role that highlighted his status as Belize's athletic standard-bearer. While an injury hampered his performance in the heats, his journey from college athlete to Olympian inspired a new generation of Belizean track hopefuls.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kenneth was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kenneth Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kenneth's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as the flagbearer for Belize at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
- Competed in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics.
- Set the Belizean national record in the 400-meter hurdles multiple times during his career.
Did You Know?
He attended and competed for California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in the United States.
Medwood is a cousin of another Belizean Olympic athlete, Jayson Jones.
He initially played soccer and basketball before focusing on track and field in college.
“I run for Belize, to put my country on the map in this sport.”
