Torri Huske, a two-time Olympian, returned home to Arlington, Virginia, as an Olympic gold medalist, winning five medals at the Paris Olympics.
What happened?
Hundreds gathered at Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center to welcome her home.
People held up homemade signs and cheered as Huske entered the Welcome Home Celebration on a convertible.
Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey read a proclamation, and then Huske’s Arlington Aquatic Club Head Coach Evan Stiles spoke.
Why it matters for Torri Huske
Huske thanked the community for their support and said Arlington helped make her who she is today.
She won three gold and two silver medals at the Paris Olympics, with no one else on Team USA earning that many medals.
What comes next?
Huske stayed for hours, taking photographs and signing autographs, inspiring many children and swimmers motivated by her story.
And she had asked each child to bring a nonperishable canned food donation to support the Arlington Food Assistance Center.
Many were inspired by her story, with Elizabeth Pilot saying “She’s such an inspiration, watching her makes me want to be better myself.”
Ava Jones said “It’s really cool because I have a role model that lives really close to me.”
Juliana Wyss said “I just want to tell her how much I love her and how much I look up to her, she’s a sign of inspiration that if you put your mind to something, you can do it.”
Huske’s journey has been a lot of hard work, but she loves doing it, and she wants everyone to know that if you find something you love to do, and you work hard at it, you can go farther than you ever imagined.
As a 21-year-old Virginia native, Huske has made her community proud, and her story will continue to inspire young swimmers.