ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) — Olympic swimmer and Arlington native Torri Huske received the hero’s welcome at the Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center in Arlington on Sunday afternoon.
A large crowd lined the sidewalk and parking lot outside the center for the official homecoming of the Olympic gold medalist.
“I just wanted to thank you all for coming out,” Huske told the excited crowd.
Huske tied for the most medals won by an American athlete at this summer’s Paris Games. She took home five medals, including three gold and two silver.
“As much as this medal or all of these medals are mine, a little piece of it also belongs to you guys because Arlington helped make me the person I am today,” said Huske.
According to some attendees, her accomplishments will inspire the younger generation.
“She probably doesn’t realize it, but she’s probably motivating thousands and thousands of kids,” said Dennis Burstein, Huske’s former youth swim coach.
Eleanor Nguien of Arlington is among those inspired by Huske.
“She’s like a hero for me, and I just kind of want to be like her. She’s Torri,” said Nguien.
After the rally, Huske met with her younger fans and signed autographs.
The Yorktown High School graduate encouraged every child to bring and donate non-perishable food or canned items. The donations went to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.
Huske made her Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago, winning silver in the 4X100-meter medley relay. The six-time Olympic medalist is not ruling out going for more when the 2028 Summer Games take place in Los Angeles.
