Olympic athletes celebrated in Cary, Apex
Posted August 13, 2021 1:55 p.m. EDT
Updated August 13, 2021 7:23 p.m. EDT
Apex, N.C. — Two homecoming celebrations on Friday recognized Olympic silver medalists who call the Triangle home.
A celebration for Team USA baseball player and Apex native Tim Federowicz began with a small procession from Apex High School, Federowicz's alma mater, to downtown.
The silver Olympic medalist received a warm welcome from town council members, the chamber of commerce and Apex Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert.
In an interview with WRAL News, Federowicz called the celebration a "full circle moment," saying he never saw this in his future.
"It’s been an amazing feeling, especially to get out here and see all of the familiar faces from when I grew up here," he said. "Young kids especially aspiring to do what I’ve done. It’s just great."
Federowicz said his journey to the Olympics was a long one, and winning a medal at the Olympics was a huge accomplishment.
The celebration concluded with Gilbert awarding Federowicz with the key to the Town of Apex.
Federowicz is one of the oldest athletes on his team, and swimmer and Cary native Claire Curzan is one of the youngest on hers.
On Friday evening, Curzan's family and friends gathered at Brixx Pizza at Bradford Green Square to celebrate the silver medal she earned in the 4x100 meter relay. Curzan, 17, is a senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School.
Curzan said she's she’s overjoyed with all the support from her local community.
"I am so excited to be back with everyone," said Curzan. "I just want to thank everyone for supporting me throughout my journey."
Curzan said she hopes to make an appearnce again in the next Olympics.
"I definitely want to try and make an Olympic team, but I'm focusing on World Champs right now," she added.
