Providence Journal video by Kris Craig
NORTH KINGSTOWN -- Hundreds of admirers of Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel filled the home grandstand at the North Kingstown High School football stadium to give her a rousing welcome home Wednesday night.
Beisel arrived at T.F. Green State Airport after a flight from Dulles International Airport in suburban Washington, D.C., and received a State Police escort to her hometown. She crossed the football field at 7:40 and, overwhelmed by the welcome, buried her face in her hands several times.
"Oh my gosh! I cannot thank you for all the support," Beisel exclaimed to the throng. "Even though I'm living in Florida now, Rhode Island is home. I had no idea all you guys would be here. It's crazy that you guys care about swimming. I see all my best friends up there haven't seen since Christmas. I brag about how great Rhode Island is. It's truly amazing. I can't thank you enough."
Beisel fans started showing up at the high school at 4 o'clock.
Lily Hague and her family epitomized the affection South County has for its favorite daughter.
"We watched her all the time on TV. We're proud of her," said Brenda Sacchetti of Narragansett, Lily's grandmother.
"I am so proud of her. For a small state, for her to go and enter two things and end up with two medals, I think it's phenomenal. I really do," added Peggy Hague of Coventry,
Many in the crowd of women, men and children wore BEISEL London 2012 T-shirts that were sold in town annd raised $15,000 to help pay the expenses of the Beisel family to go to London to watch their daughter compete. She earned a silver medal in the 400 individual medley and a bronze medal in the 200 backstroke.
Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and U.S. Rep. James Langevin were among the guests.
Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Olympian Elizabeth Beisel greets her fans at North Kingston High School during a welcoming ceremoney Wednesday.