Glenn Donatiello
Dunellen Theater commemorated McLaughlin's feat with a special marquee message while local residents hung American flags and patriotic buntings in honor of their favorite Olympian.
Dunellen will salute hometown Olympian Sydney McLaughlin on Saturday morning during a “celebration ceremony” to welcome the 17-year-old hurdler home from Rio.
Residents are encouraged to arrive at Columbia Park by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday wearing red, white and blue. The ceremony for McLaughlin will include an award presentation by Mayor Bob Seader.
McLaughlin, a Dunellen resident, is the youngest track and field Olympian for Team USA since 1972. And on August 15 and 16, her hometown cheered her on as she competed in Rio, 5000 miles away.
Although making it through to the 400m Hurdles semifinals based on her qualifying time, McLaughlin did not advance to the finals. “I’m happy I made it this far. I can go home saying I’m an Olympian. I guess it’s just the end of my season, not the end of my career,” she told US Track and Field. “I think I could have gotten farther, and it’s kind of upsetting not to have done that, but at the same time it’s been a long season and I’m happy where I’ve gotten.”
Glenn Donatiello
Maggie Murray's Pub House was one of the many places in Dunellen where fans watched the Olympics.
She currently holds the World Youth Best and World Junior Record for 400m Hurdles based on her US Olympic Trial run in July. USA Track & Field selected her as Athlete of the Week because she broke two national high school records in the 400m hurdles and the SMR (Swedish Medley Relay) at the New Balance Nationals; and at the ESPY Awards, Gatorade named McLaughlin Female High School Athlete of the Year.
Dave DeNapoli
Sydney fans gather at Zupko's Tavern.
McLaughlin, who stayed after her competition to soak up the whole Olympics experience has one more ceremony to attend before she returns to Union Catholic High School for her senior year. Saturday’s event is open to all Dunellen residents and will take place by the park’s bleachers.
(8/23/16 ETA info regarding ceremony).