There was a joyous homecoming today at Pearson International Airport as Team Canada members arrived back from the Sochi Olympics.
Among them was Huntsville gold medalist Dara Howell.
With her gold medal hanging from her neck, Howell arrived on Canadian soil today to more than a dozen family members and friends draped in red and white greeting her.
It was an extra special arrival for the Olympic gold medalist.
“This is so surreal,” Howell says. “I can't believe it. So great, I just can't wait to talk to everyone.”
Howell says she is still trying to grasp her win. She says she isn't sure how to take her newfound fame.
She says she’s going to “just enjoy it, and soak it all up.”
“It's been a once in a lifetime experience,” she says. “The plan is to just hang out with friends, to be a teenager, but just enjoy and soak it all up.”
Howell’s parents Doug and Dee were with her at the finish line in Sochi. They flew home last week and today they were at the front of the line at the airport to welcome her home.
“It's overwhelming, it's very overwhelming,” they says. “We've been riding this ride. I don't even know what date this is. It's been two weeks since it happened and it's just been a blur.”
Perhaps no one was waiting more patiently then Howell’s grandfather.
“I'm so proud of her,” he says. “I'm just so proud of her, that's just all I can say. And happy for her. Her whole life has changed now.”
Howell and her family will spend the night in Toronto before heading home to Huntsville tomorrow. She says all she wants to do now is chill out, have a good steak, and hit a local Tim Hortons.
The Town of Huntsville is planning a celebration for Howell this Friday.
Canadian rock band Down With Webster will play at the celebration that starts at 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Big crowds are expected. The town says a local baker has offered to make 1,000 Olympic-inspired cupcakes. Howell is also expected to speak.
