Jon Montgomery will never get tired of being asked for his autograph or to pose for pictures with his Olympic gold medal.
The affable skeleton racer was one of several Olympic and Paralympic athletes on hand for a special tribute at Olympic Plaza yesterday.
“Honestly, I don’t think I will ever tire of the reception that I’ve been getting from kind folks from across the country,” said Montgomery, who sped to a gold-medal performance at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
In addition to receiving gold rings from the province, the athletes were white-hatted by Mayor Dave Bronconnier.
“You see so many other people come through town and get white hats and be recognized for their efforts,” Montgomery said. “I’m proud to say that I think I’ve earned my white hat now and I’m happy to wear it.”
Having lived in Calgary for 43 years, Cheryl Bernard was also pleased to be shown such a warm welcome.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever received a white hat, so this means a lot,” said Bernard, who skipped her Canadian women’s rink to a silver medal.
“It will go up on my wall. It probably won’t get worn out.”
Being honoured in front of hundreds of screaming fans at Olympic Plaza was a special experience for Kaillie Humphries, a gold medallist in women’s bobsled along with Heather Moyse.
“It feels great,” Humphries said. “I’m born and raised in Calgary, so it feels extra special definitely to come out in front of my fellow Calgarians and have them cheer.”
