It's not every day you get the chance to meet some of the world's top athletes.
But Red Deerians were able to do just that, as the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame hosted its Olympian Meet and Greet event on Monday evening.
A number of Olympic and Paralympic athletes from Red Deer headlined the event: Rebecca Smith, a 2020 Olympic silver medallist in women’s 4x100 freestyle relay; Molly Simpson, who finished fifth in women's BMX racing in the 2024 Olympics; Nicholas Bennett, a two-time 2024 Paralympic gold-medallist and silver medallist in swimming; and Tammy Cunnington, a three-time Parapan American Games Medalist and 2016 Paralympian.
The event also featured appearances from several other Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Marco Arop, a 2024 Olympics men's 800M silver medallist; Lyndon Rush, who won bronze at the 2010 Olympics in four-man bobsleigh; Diane Jones-Konihowski, an athletics Olympian in 1972, 1976 and 1980; and Reid Maxwell, a 2024 Paralympic silver medallist in men's 400M S8 freestyle.
In addition to the meet and greet, there was a Q&A session with the athletes, hosted by sports broadcaster Rob Kerr, during Monday's event.
"We love to showcase our Alberta athletes," said Tracey Kinsella, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame executive director.
"It's handy we have a number of Red Deer athletes here tonight. We have eight athletes in total visiting us and they've all competed in Olympics and Paralympics. These athletes will visit with the guests and get to know them — some of the athletes brought medals they've won, so it will be a great opportunity for pictures and autographs."
Kinsella said it was exciting to see young Central Albertans get the chance to interact with the high-level athletes attending the meet and greet.
"It's a very unique opportunity to have this many athletes and Olympians in one room. We're honoured they're able to be here and share their stories," said Kinsella.
For more information on the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, visit www.albertasportshall.ca.
