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Olympic runner of Marblehead to be honored

By Alan Burke
Staff writer
Published: September 4, 2008

MARBLEHEAD — Olympic medalist Shalane Flanagan is expected to return to her hometown for a celebration on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Details of the event have yet to be determined, but it is being organized through the Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA, where Flanagan began her athletic career as a young swimmer.

"It's wonderful that Shalane would like to do this in conjunction with the Y," Director Paul Gorman said.

Town officials are also participating.

"She has a real loyalty to the Y," her father Steve Flanagan said. "And Marblehead is still home to her. ... It'll always be her home. And a bunch of people here own a part of her success."

Shalane Flanagan, a Marblehead High School graduate who now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Steven Edwards, won her medal in the 10,000 meter race at Beijing, becoming only the second American woman ever to medal in that category.

She will return to Marblehead following a Sept. 21 race in Providence.

"I'm looking forward to having her up here," said her dad, who hasn't seen Shalane since her strong showing in China. Moreover, he hasn't seen the bronze medal. "It's pretty special. It's a limited edition. The Chinese went all out. It has a very nice jade inlay."

Flanagan describes his daughter's current schedule as "active rest." She was asked to attend — but was unable to appear for — a tribute to local Olympians at Fenway Park on Monday night before the Red Sox game.

Since coming home, Steve Flanagan said, "she's mentally more relaxed. ... She's traveling today (Tuesday) for an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show."

He said his daughter will participate in the ceremony to help YMCA fundraising and to thank the town for its support. "I do not believe her ego requires a pep rally," he said.

As a Marblehead High athlete, Shalane excelled in soccer and swimming. Her efforts in cross country and track won her state titles and national recognition. She owns the American record for the 10,000 meter race.

Town Administrator Tony Sasso has joined the effort to determine precisely what sort of ceremony will occur, according to Selectman Harry Christensen. He recalled the precedent of an earlier tribute at Seaside Park for another Marbleheader, 2004 Olympic gold medal bicyclist Tyler Hamilton.

"Marblehead has always been a town of firsts," Christensen said. "But I wasn't disappointed when she finished third. Just getting to the Olympics is like a first."

"This will be fantastic," Selectman Jim Nye said. "I know we certainly want to have her."

The selectmen have already voted to place a sign celebrating Flanagan's achievement on Lafayette Street at the entrance to the town.

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