A hometown celebration is a rare thing afforded only a few athletes — namely those who return with championships.
“You dream of these moments but you don’t really expect them,” said Nicholas Bennett.
“It’s quite emotional being back among the community that supported you, and cheered you on, and to see the people who have helped you along the path to your triumphs.”
Those have been many for the Island swimmer, topped by his two gold medals and a silver over the summer in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The Regional District of Nanaimo, City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach celebrated Bennett’s Paris achievements Friday night in a public ceremony at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre, where he began his swim career.
“We are proud and honoured that Nicholas represents the City of Parksville on the world stage and is a role model and inspiration to so many,” Parksville Mayor Doug O’Brien said in a statement. Qualicum Beach Mayor Teunis Westbroek added Bennett is “inspiring others in our community to also pursue their dreams.”
The Island product tied with fellow swimmer Aurelie Rivard from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., for the most Canadian medals in the 2024 Paris Paralympics with three.
“To go from maybe 100 people watching you in provincial meets to 15,000 in the Paralympics was amazing and pushed me to finish harder down the stretch,” said Bennett.
He was chosen to co-carry the Canadian flag in the closing ceremony at the Stade de France with canoeist Brianna Hennessy of Ottawa.
“To represent my fellow athletes, and all of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, was an even more amazing feeling,” said Bennett. “And now, to be honoured like this by your hometown brings it full circle, and the memories are flooding back and there are lots of emotions.”
The hometown ceremony for Bennett followed the one held by the City of Nanaimo for 2024 Paris Olympics hammer-throw gold-medallist Ethan Katzberg on Sept. 26 at his old Rotary Bowl track and attended by hundreds of school students, admirers, supporters and well-wishers. Katzberg was Canadian flagbearer in the Paris Olympics closing ceremony along with swim sensation Summer McIntosh of Toronto.
“To have two athletes from the Island carry the flags in the closing ceremonies shows the level of the athletes who come from here,” said Bennett.
