Sports

Md. Olympians Honored In Grand Fashion

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) ― From Beijing to Baltimore, Maryland's Olympians received a big welcome home from thousands of their biggest and smallest fans.

Weijia Jiang reports a "Star-Spangled Salute" took place at historic Fort McHenry Saturday night following a "Parade of Gold."
 
The night's festivities were in honor of Maryland's Olympians, including Paralympians and Special Olympians.

The spectacular featured local dignitaries like Mayor Sheila Dixon and Senator Barbara Mikulski, but the main attraction was history-making gold medalist Michael Phelps.

"It's been, first of all, a great day. I participated in the parade with Jim Smith. There were probably 40,000 people cheering on Michael Phelps and all the other Olympians," said Dixon.

With music and fireworks, Phelps fans cheered the Olympian holding high signs with the words "Phelps Phan."

In Towson, the parade kicked off Saturday on York Road just after 3 p.m.

Dancers danced, percussionists played and special guests waved from floats and vehicles as the parade for the hometown heroes began.

"I feel very honored to be here with the best of the best athletes, and it's just such a privilege to be here. We have all worked so hard and come a long way," said Tatyana McFadden.

"It's really amazing to get a second home, and I've been really appreciative all the people I've met that have said great job," said Jamie Schroeder.

An estimated 5,000 people attended the event, according to Baltimore County police.

Two of Maryland's Olympic heroes, swimmer Katie Hoff and four-time gold medalist Paralympic swimmer Jessica Long, were among the honorees at the parade. 

"We'll be in the locker room, and she takes off her legs to get in the pool, and that is so amazing. She can lap me, and she takes her legs off every time. I'm like wow," said one swimmer. 

Lining the 1 1/2-mile route, many onlookers held red, white and blue signs. Participants in the parade passed under large American flag strung between the ladders of two fire trucks.

Wearing sunglasses, jeans, a T-shirt and a brightly colored jacket, Phelps waved to admiring fans from within an open-air military vehicle on a gorgeous autumn afternoon.

"Michael Phelps! He's gorgeous, and he's from the area," said a fan. "He's a great swimmer."

Phelps won a record-setting eight gold medals in swimming at the Beijing Games this summer.

The city staged a parade for Phelps after the 2004 Games, but arranged a two-pronged affair in anticipation of far bigger crowds this time around.

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