February 28, 2010
Dartmouth graduate Weibrecht honored
by PR Wire Report/
Dartmouth graduate Andrew Weibrecht, a bronze medalist in men's super-G, was honored in his hometown of Lake Placid, N.Y. (photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Dartmouth College graduate Andrew Weibrecht, the bronze medalist in the Olympic men’s super-G, was honored with a parade in his hometown of Lake Placid, N.Y.
"It's great to be home," Weibrecht told the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. "It's crazy to think somebody wants to honor me, but it's been awesome to get all this support and excitement from my hometown. That's what has made this whole experience so cool to me."
Lake Placid officials and dignitaries marched along with the high school marching band and ski club, carrying large banners to hail Weibrecht and nordic combined large hill gold medalist Billy Demong (Vermontville, N.Y.).
The parade ended at Mirror Lake Inn's Cottage Café, owned by Weibrecht's parents. Local officials declared it "Andrew Weibrecht Day" in Lake Placid, and Gov. David Paterson and Congressman Bill Owens sent letters of congratulations.
Weibrecht said that growing up in a town that has hosted two Olympics – 1932 and 1980 - played a major role in his winning bronze.
"It got me into skiing, at Olympic venues, from a very early age," Weibrecht said. "There's just such a spirit about the town and the support everybody has towards athletics is great."
