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Middletown welcomes home Olympic champion

OlympianKayla Harrison is getting a hero's welcome in her hometown of Middletown. The gold medal winner will visit with students at Middletown High School Tuesday. The city is also throwing her a parade through town ahead of public rally. Event organizer and councilwoman Ann Mort says the town can't wait to welcome Harrison in style.

"The plan is to welcome Kayla Harrison home with a big splash. This is her first trip back since she won the gold medal as the first American to win judo gold. We are very, very proud of her," says Mort.

Harrison is Middletown's second gold medal winner. The first was basketball player Jerry Lucas in 1960.

"We are very proud of anybody who from our community that makes good in any field. This is world-wide attention for her and for us," Mort adds.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. with the rally kicking off around 6:30 p.m at the plaza outside the city building.

More details:

Parade route begins "near the Post Office at the corner of Reinartz Boulevard and Verity Parkway and travel south on Verity turning right on Central Avenue, right on Main Street and right into the City Building driveway. Fans are encouraged to line the motorcade route with flags, signs and cheers."

The rally will include music from the Middletown High School marching band, skydivers, several presentations from city and business leaders, and "a few surprises and special music."

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.