Humboldt native Lyndon Rush returned home on July 20 for a send-off as he continues to prepare for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, likely to be the last chapter in the bobsledder's decorated career.
About 30 people came out to greet Rush at Civic Park. Most wore red-and-white Team Canada shirts and cheered wildly for the CBC cameraman who was there gathering footage for the network's upcoming Olympic coverage.
Rush, 30, was presented with a Humboldt flag that was blanketed in signatures and well wishes.
"They say that Olympic athletes are ordinary people that do extraordinary things," Mayor Malcolm Eaton said before presenting Rush with the flag. "In this case, that's absolutely true."
Rush admitted that all of the attention can be a bit overwhelming, especially for a self-described "average Joe".
"It's pretty neat," he said after the presentation. "It's humbling because you kind of forget that people are watching, you know what I mean? Bobsled's kind of an obscure sport, to be honest. It's not like the hockey players where they walk around and get noticed everywhere they go."
With the opening ceremonies in Sochi only a few months away, Rush's preparation is in full swing. So far he has avoided any injuries, which he said is a crucial component of any successful training program.
In Russia he will be competing in the two- and four-man races and said the goal in both is the top of the podium.
"We want to win both races," Rush said. "We do have the program that is capable of winning two gold medals. It won't be easy but if I had to bet I'd put myself up there."
Since winning bronze in the four-man event in Vancouver, Rush has added a new partner for the two-man race in Jesse Lumsden. The pair has been very successful, including winning a silver medal at the 2012 World Championships in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Currently Rush and Lumsden are the top ranked two-man team in the world and will go to the Olympics as one of the favourites.
Sochi will perhaps offer even more pressure than Vancouver. The added pressure could come from the finality of it all, as Rush said he would likely retire following the Games.
"I'm ready to hang them up," he said. "It's getting to the stage where I'm not old yet but I'm one of the older guys. More than anything, though, being gone all winter is tough. I love racing and if it wasn't for the travel I'd love to continue but I don't want to be away for four more years."
A couple of the reasons why Rush wants to cut back on travel were cradled in his arm and holding his hand as he said hello to his supporters. He has young children and the demands of his schedule mean lots of time away from them.
After so many years on the track it will be tough for Rush to say goodbye, but coming home with that coveted gold medal would make that pill a bit easier to swallow.
