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Barrhead welcomes home local Olympian, Melissa Lotholz

Nearly eight weeks after her last run at the PyeongChang Olympics Barrhead residents had the opportunity to welcome home local Melissa Lotholz. Lotholz along with teammate Christine de Bruin, finished seventh in the womens bobsleigh competition.
Melissa Lotholz answers a question from the audience about her training regime.
Melissa Lotholz answers a question from the audience about her training regime.

Nearly eight weeks after her last run at the PyeongChang Olympics Barrhead residents had the opportunity to welcome home local Melissa Lotholz.

Lotholz along with teammate Christine de Bruin, finished seventh in the womens bobsleigh competition.

On April 12, hundreds of well-wishers dropped by the Charles Godberson Rotary Room to pass on their congratulations during a three-hour long welcome home event.

Part of the reason for the delay was after the Olympics Lotholz took the opportunity to travel through Asia as well as attend a bobsleigh drivers training camp.

Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen kicked off the speech portion of the evening following a moment of silence to honour the victims of the Humboldt accident.

“It is not every day that you get to hang out with an Olympian or that you are lucky enough to have one in your hometown,” he said, adding Lotholz should be as proud of her accomplishments as the community is. “You have worked very hard to develop your skills and talents that allowed you to reach this level of proficiency. Your dedication and passion for excellence are qualities that will help you in whatever else you choose to do with your life.”

Viersen added that just as others in the community had served as a role model to inspire her, Lotholz will inspire future generations.

Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock Glenn van Dijken said he has known Lotholz for many years going back to when his daughter played on the same Barrhead Composite High School volleyball team.

“Melissa has been a very determined individual. Womens bobsled is a remarkable sport which takes determination, skill and strength all of which you possess. Holding the title of Olympian is a wonderful achievement and is an honour that will stay with you throughout your life,” he said. “You have represented yourself and your community well through your integrity and we can feel honoured that she is and has been a stand-up citizen not only for the town and county of Barrhead but the whole province.”

Lotholz said it has been an honour to be able to represent her community, province, and country on the world stage.

However, she said it is not something she achieved alone.

“There are so many levels of community and so many different people to get someone to the [Olympic] games and we don’t often get the opportunity to thank all the people that it took to get us there,” she said. “Throughout my journey, there have been thousands of volunteer hours and thousands of supporters who have helped me achieve what I have. I thank every one of you. It was my honour to bring a little moment to you for all the moments you have given to me.”


Barry Kerton

About the Author: Barry Kerton

Barry Kerton is the managing editor of the Barrhead Leader, joining the paper in 2014. He covers news, municipal politics and sports.
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