Hannah Kearney, of Norwich, Vt., won the first gold medal for the United States Saturday night in moguls. She claimed this victory by speeding down the track in 27.86 seconds. She executed a successful back flip on her first jump and a helicopter on her second.
This news brings joy to many in her hometown in southern Vermont.
"Just one of our proud accomplishments. So we claim her so we claim her. She claims us," said Charles Johnson of Thetford, Vt.
Many in Norwich are also excited that Kearney put this small town on the map for the rest of the world. And at a Citgo gas station in Norwich they found a way to show this Olympic medalist how much they care.
"We have a shirt inside that we're having all of our regular customers and anyone who wants to sign it sign," said James Roberts of Hartford, Vt., "And we're sending it to here and it's a Hannahowitz T-shirt and it says congratulations Hannah."
Most importantly for some in the town, is the example Kearney sets for others. This win comes after she failed to qualify for the final in the 2006 Turin Games.
"I just think it's the most heartwarming story about an athlete who has given her all. Put in an incredible amount of effort," said Stewart Richards of Norwich, "Didn't succeed the first time around. But stuck with it and came back. It's just great."
