NI Olympic gold medal winner Hannah Scott has said receiving a hero’s welcome in her hometown of Coleraine is something she has dreamed of her whole life.
The rower (25) was part of the Team GB quartet that took gold in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls event at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Large crowds of supporters gathered first at the champion’s childhood club — Bann Rowing Club — and then in the town centre, where Hannah was cheered up Bridge Street and onto the stage.
“I’ve dreamed of this my whole life” – Olympic champion Hannah Scott
She said the scenes in the town were a dream come true.
“I’m still taking all this in. The whole experience has been unbelievable. Every day there is something new,” she told the Belfast Telegraph.
“Maybe when it calms down a wee bit more, I’ll be able to take more of it in, but for now, it’s mad.
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Hannah snapping a selfie during her homecoming parade. Pic: Niall Carson/PA
“It was a lot; I really didn’t think that was going to be for me. I just think that I watched that — that’s my dream in my head, so for that to be happening now is amazing.
“It’s just been really special to have the support from home, because I’ve been down, I’ve been up; it’s not an easy journey in elite sport.”
Scott has become NI’s first female Olympic gold medallist since Dame Mary Peters, who she said was on the flight home along with her parents.
She was also full of praise for Bann Rowing Club, who set her on her Olympic journey.
“We’ve got a really special rowing club down there and I hope that people continue to support Bann, because it’s meant a lot to me growing up.
Members of Bann Rowing Club formed a guard of honour as Hannah made her way to the Town Hall. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
“The people who are volunteering down there clearly know what they are doing. Rowing is a really positive thing for this community and I think we should really encourage that.
“I need to have a holiday; I’m going to go away to California for a bit and then come back and just start again and re-evaluate everything.
“But I need to take it all in first; I’m still enjoying it.”
Among the crowd, there was a sense of pride and excitement.
Mollie Elliott, attending the homecoming with her daughters Hallie and Maddison, said Hannah was known throughout Coleraine.
“Hannah used to go to the same school the girls are at now,” she said.
Mollie Elliott with daughters Hallie and Maddison at the homecoming
“It’s amazing, really lovely to see. The girls were in Spain watching her. It’s so nice to see everybody out. We are all so proud of her.”
Ann Gilchrist said the size of the crowd showed how well-loved she was.
“It’s great to come and welcome Hannah back from the Olympics and how well she has done. First woman to have a gold here,” she said.
Ann Gilchrist said the whole town were proud of Hannah’s achievements
“It was brilliant, I’ve watched it over and over again. She’s a lovely girl and it’s great for the town. All day everybody has been excited to see her, welcome her and show appreciation. We are very proud of her.”
Proud parents Sharon and Malcolm also joined in the celebrations, recalling the moment they first brought the Olympic champion to Bann Rowing Club.
“It’s her first point at home. This is where it all started over 12 years ago when we brought her down as a little girl to start her rowing journey,” she said.
Hannah’s proud parents Sharon and Malcolm at Bann Rowing Club
“It’s the obvious place that she should start her homecoming trip today.
“It’s been long, it’s been eventful; there have been a lot of ups and downs along the way. Everyone always sees the good parts but there have been hard parts.
“The race was unforgettable. It was nerve-wracking; when that photo finish was called I think my knees left me at one stage. Her dad was a bit calmer.
“It was great when she crossed the line and to have 40-50 people from the north coast with us to cheer her on. It was bedlam when we got her over that line.”
“We’re delighted with what she has achieved. It hasn’t sunk in but after a good walk on the beach and a dip in the sea; that’s when it will be real for us.”