Saturday was Megan Oldham day in Parry Sound as her hometown officially welcomed her back from her victorious stint in Italy. The Stockey Centre was filled with family, friends, community members and dignitaries as they celebrated the hardware that was draped around the 24-year-old’s neck. “To finally come home and see everything you guys have done it’s honestly blown my mind,” said Oldham in her remarks on stage. “I’m driving through town and I see little signs on the lawn and it’s just so amazing to hear from all of you.” Speeches were delivered by her father Howard Oldham, Scott Aitchison, Parry Sound Muskoka–MP and Graydon Smith Parry Sound Muskoka–MPP, in a ceremony led by Mayor Jamie McGarvey. Their remarks highlighted Oldham’s mental and physical toughness that led to her triumph on the world stage. “Megan’s had two knee surgeries already, she’s been hospitalized and the determination and the grit to get through those setbacks is what sticks with me,” said Howard. “Every so often somebody comes along and they’ll spark that sort of pride that communities need every once in awhile and it really gives that boost.” Over the last two weeks, Oldham had delivered a dominant performance in women’s big air, capturing gold after posting a combined score of 180.75 — highlighted by a first run of 91.75, the best of the night. She also skied her way to a bronze medal in slopestyle earlier in the competition. She crashed on her final jump of her second run, but recovered to post the best score of the third round and secure her first medal. Mayor Jamie McGarvey discussed what her accomplishments mean to Parry Sound. “Every so often somebody comes along and they’ll spark that sort of pride that communities need every once in awhile and it really gives that boost,” said the Mayor. Scott Aitchison, Parry sound—Muskoka MP, watched Oldham’s golden performance in-person. “She’s just a hardworking down to earth amazing person and to me she makes canada so proud,” said Aitchison. Saturday’s festivities for Oldham continue with an autograph session and a downtown party on James Street. “It’s been so special,” said Megan in her interview with CTV News. “I received so much support and it’s obviously a bit overwhelming at first but a great sense of overwhelming, just because it’s so cool to see how happy and excited everyone is.” Bruce and Cody, her brothers, are also competitive skiers. The hope is for all three to compete together on the world stage in 2030. With files from CTV’s Julianna Balsamo, The Canadian Press and The Associated Press.
