Hundreds Turn Out to Celebrate Local Olympians in Silver Spring (VIDEOS & PHOTOS)

Hundreds of local residents turned out to celebrate local Olympians Katie Ledecky, Jack Conger,  Ashley Nee, and Helen Maroulis on Dec. 19. MyMCMedia’s Maureen Chowdhury reports.

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett along with local officials honored the Olympians at an event held at the Silver Spring Civic Center. According to Montgomery County Spokesperson Judy Stiles more than 300 people packed the room.

Conger, who swam in the heats for the 4 × 200 meter freestyle relay,  made his first post Olympic speech at the celebration event. “I [want] to thank everyone in Montgomery County for always supporting me and helping me achieve my dreams,” Conger said.

Olympian Jack Conger’s first post-Olympic speech. @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/1YzUebzaBl

— Maureen Chowdhury (@MediaMaureen) December 20, 2016

“I had such a good time in Rio, it was a true dream come true. I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity without having lived in Montgomery County, ” Nee,  who competed in the women’s canoe slalom K-1 competition, said.

Local Olympian @thelifeofnee addressing audience at celebration event in #SilverSpring @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/2jdNGHWx6g

— Maureen Chowdhury (@MediaMaureen) December 20, 2016

Montgomery County’s own golden girl Ledecky, who won four gold medals and one silver medal at this year’s Olympic games also thanked the community for their support. “It’s extremely meaningful when we see those messages from back home and hear those stories when we get back of where you guys were watching our races or how you were supporting us, so I really have to thank you all,” she said.

.@katieledecky addressing Montgomery County community at celebration event in #silverspring @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/4XiZkrDWd8

— Maureen Chowdhury (@MediaMaureen) December 20, 2016

Maroulis, the first American female to win gold in wrestling, received recognition as well, but was unable to attend the event. The celebration ended with the announcement that the county has commissioned the creation of a sports hall of fame. The four Olympians honored will be the first inductees.

Proclamation presented to Olympians. @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/YkWgxUuEs9

— Maureen Chowdhury (@MediaMaureen) December 20, 2016

County Executive Leggett presents Olympians with gifts. @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/Gk1w9wjy8U

— Maureen Chowdhury (@MediaMaureen) December 20, 2016

About Maureen Chowdhury

Maureen Chowdhury is a multimedia journalist with Montgomery Community Media. She can be reached at mchowdhury@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter at @MediaMaureen. Maureen authors the blog Sound Check on MyMCMedia.

View all posts by Maureen Chowdhury