MARBLEHEAD — A dozen or so families huddled under umbrellas in the steady rain outside of the Marblehead High School on Saturday afternoon to welcome home Shalane Flanagan, an Olympic bronze medalist runner.
"It's coming," yelled a young boy as soon as a distant siren could be heard, heralding the parade's approach.
A fire truck with a sign that read, "Congratulations, Shalane" attached to the front was the first to pull into the parking lot, followed by an old black Corvette with Flanagan waving from the passenger seat. The Marblehead High School women's cross country team ran swiftly behind the two vehicles to end the procession.
Flanagan, a Marblehead native who currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, Steven Edwards, won her medal in the 10,000-meter race, becoming the second American woman to ever medal in the event. This was her first time home since returning to the states from Beijing, China.
Although only a few braved the wet conditions to greet Flanagan outside, hundreds of residents anxiously waited inside the field house for her arrival. The crowd stood and cheered as the Marblehead High marching band began to play rally tunes as she entered.
"This is absolutely overwhelming," said Flanagan to the hundreds of residents who gathered to welcome her home. Although it literally rained on her parade, she told the crowd nothing could detract from the moment.
"Being able to celebrate with a community is what it's all about," she said. "I am honored to call myself a Marbleheader."
The event was organized by the Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA, where Flanagan began her athletic career as a young swimmer. She later switched to running and ran for the MHS track and field, cross country and soccer teams.
The Board of Selectman proclaimed Sept. 27, 2008, "Shalane Flanagan Day," and the Olympian received multiple citations from Massachusetts Sen. Thomas McGee and state Rep. Lori Ehrlich. Old coaches spoke, boasting about her athletic talent.
"How lucky are we in this little seaside town to have such an accomplished athlete," said Susan Guertin, Flanagan's former swim coach at the Y. This was followed by cheers.
During Flanagan's turn to speak, she only spent a few minutes talking about her accomplishments and thanking a few people who helped her achieve her dreams. She gave a few words of encouragement and brought attention to the new YMCA building and the need to raise money for it to be completed in time. She and her husband donated $1,000 and urged the audience to match it or donate what they could.
"It's great that someone from Marblehead has had such success at the highest level," said Michael Davis of Marblehead after the rally. "She is a great role model for the children and students of Marblehead."
Kate Hewig, a sophomore cross country runner said the team was lucky to be involved in the event.
"It was nice to celebrate such an accomplished runner," she said. "It was motivational and inspiring."
After the ceremony, residents gathered around Flanagan to get a peek at her medal. Young girls and families asked for autographs and photos. She stuck around until everyone's request was granted.
"This makes all the hard work worth it, to be able share my achievements with such a great community," Flanagan said. "I look forward to coming back to Marblehead in December (to visit friends and family). We'll definitely be working out a lot at the Y."
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