Madison swimmer recognized by board

Madison’s Brooklyn Gallagher was recognized Tuesday night for her accomplishments in the 2023 Mississippi Swimming Long Course State Championship in July. 

Gallagher, a senior at Madison Central, competes for the Mississippi Makos Swim Team and helped the team capture its 12th  state title this year, along with earning several first and second-place wins during the state meet. 

Gallagher took first place in the 400-meter individual medley, 200-meter butterfly, and 200-meter breaststroke in Tupelo. She also took second place in the 200-meter individual medley, 100-meter breaststroke, and 50-meter freestyle. She also placed sixth in the 100-meter backstroke and earned a combined 124 points for her team. 

Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler kicked off the Sep. 5 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen by presenting Gallagher with a certificate. 

“We have a celebrity in the house,” Hawkins-Butler said. “Brooklyn is our state champion and has represented our state and city. She has won three “best in state” titles and is recognized as an ‘overall state high point winner for girls.’ We want to congratulate you, and we tell all the little Jags to dream big, never quit, and always make sure to pray. We love you.” 

Gallagher is originally from California and moved to Madison about three years ago. Her mother, Monica Gallagher, said they are Madison proud and moved to the area for the swim team and the city. 

“We started looking at Madison, and after one visit to this beautiful town, we knew we wanted to call it home,” Gallagher said. “We also loved Madison Central's swim program. Both are important to us.

Brooklyn said everything about Madison’s great athletes is great because of “Mayor Mary and how she and our city officials make it here. We were attracted to Madison because of its beauty, the school district, and local sports programs. Their hard work daily for us doesn’t go unnoticed and it often attracts great athletes and families to our town.”