Olympic memories for Kelly

Feb 25, 2018 | 6:00 AM

A local product says there are “so many things” to remember about being an athlete at the Olympics.

Michelle Kelly competed in skeleton in two editions of the Winter Games. She says a favourite memory is the opening ceremonies.

“As you go along in the year, you train hard and you’re in a bit of a bubble. Suddenly, when you’re thrust into the spotlight, as you’re walking into the stadium with all of Team Canada, wearing the maple leaf on your back, you’re always proud to represent your country, but suddenly you realize you’re part of an entire Team Canada, of all these talented individuals, and you’re part of that.”

Kelly remembers getting warm receptions from the crowd both in 2002 at Salt Lake City and in 2010 in Vancouver.

“I found that the American public really welcomed us when we walked into the stadium, because it was after 9-11 and, based on all the support the Canadians gave the U.S. at that time, they gave us a standing ovation, so that was really something special. To actually walk into a home country Olympics, where you know every single person there is rooting for you, that was, wow, really it took it to a whole new level.”

Kelly was an alternate but did not compete, at the 2006 Games in Italy.

This year’s edition of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea will wrap up this weekend.

by Curtis Galbraith