Charles Austin, born in Bay City and raised in Van Vleck, rose from small-town beginnings to Olympic high jump gold. Starting track only in his senior year of high school, Austin’s natural talent led him to a scholarship at Southwest Texas State University. After overcoming a serious knee injury, he stunned the world by winning gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with a record-setting jump. Now retired, Austin lives in San Marcos, runs a sports fitness company, and inspires athletes nationwide, proving local roots can lead to global success.