Oct 2, 2008 5:16 pm US/Eastern
Hoff, Long Receive Keys To Baltimore County
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Olympian Katie Hoff and paralympian Jessica Long have the keys to Baltimore County.
After an exciting swim at the Beijing Olympics, Maryland's Olympians are back at home and gearing up for a big celebration this weekend.
Gigi Barnett reports two of them received one more award Thursday.
They beat the competition for the bronze, captured the silver and brought home the gold from Beijing.
Now, Katie Hoff and paralympian Jessica Long have the keys to Baltimore County.
"I never imagined that there would be such excitement. The Olympics are obviously very big, but the way the community responded has been unbelievable to me," said Hoff.
Hoff and Long join fellow Olympian Michael Phelps. He received his key four years ago when he returned from Athens with six gold medals and two bronze.
Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith believes Baltimore will turn out more Olympic swimmers.
"That's what happens in the world of sports. They might not be homegrown, but they will come here to hone their skills," said Smith.
In addition to the keys to the county, Hoff and Long will also receive plaques that will grace the halls of the old historic courthouse in Towson.
"It's amazing how much support we get when we come back," said Long.
It's a key to the county before keys to a car for 16-year-old Long.
"She doesn't have her license yet, but she wants one. But right now, we still drive her back and forth to swim practices which is just about every day," said Beth Long, Jessica's mother.
With keys in hand, the next step for both swimmers is more training and enjoying the moment.
"The next step is next year and continuing for the next four years, just take it one year at a time," said Hoff.
Maryland's Olympic celebration will be held at Ft. McHenry. The show will include fireworks, highlights of the afternoon parade and special tributes.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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