Homecoming celebration planned for Olympic medalist from Pasadena

The City of Pasadena will host a Welcome Home Celebration for Pasadena native Marlen Esparza, who won a bronze medal in women’s boxing at the 2012 Olympics. The event will be held on the front lawn of City Hall (1211 Southmore) on Tuesday, Sept. 4, beginning at 6 p.m.

Mayor Johnny Isbell will present Esparza with a key to the city, and other local dignitaries are also scheduled to make presentations to her during the festivities.

“We have all been following her journey to the Olympics and cheering her every step of the way,” Isbell said. “And not just here at City Hall – the whole community has really come together in support of Marlen. The response we’ve gotten, and the pride everyone has taken in her accomplishments…it has been incredible. And she deserves it. ”

In addition to winning the bronze medal at the London Games, Esparza also made history with a record run of national championships, as well as by being the first American woman to qualify for boxing at the Olympics and the first woman ever to clinch an Olympic medal in boxing.

Everyone in the community is invited to join in and be part of the Welcome Home Celebration. Details about entertainment, presentations and activities are still being finalized; to get the latest updates about the event, visit the City of Pasadena’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pasadenatexas.