Calgary bronze medalist Akeem Haynes sees Olympic-sized welcome
Posted Aug 26, 2016 12:13 am.
Last Updated Aug 26, 2016 5:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There were plenty of smiles and cheers for Calgary’s own bronze medallist, Akeem Haynes, as he returned home from Rio de Janeiro Thursday evening.
Haynes was part of the Men’s 4×100 metre relay team that came in fourth, but finished with the bronze medal after the Americans were disqualified.
The sprinter, a bit taken aback by the reaction of fans, says he is truly appreciative of all the support he’s received from his hometown.
“It feels good to be home, to see everyone like this, that really means a lot,” he smiled.
In terms of his race, he says the bronze medal certainly changes things at a major championship.
“When we crossed the line and got the record it was bitter-sweet but once we got the medal that changed a whole bunch of different things, it changed our mood, we’re very happy to be able to bring it home for Calgary.”
He’s debating giving the medal to his brother but only if he doesn’t lose it, he jokes.
“It felt good, I think Calgary, Alberta in general is a beautiful place, a beautiful province and I don’t think people get to really come out and see it, so to be able to represent Alberta in anything I can do, that really means a lot to me because they’ve done a lot for me.”
Haynes says he’s got a lot of relaxation planned and maybe some ice cream, now that his season is over.
“I would probably run the 100 a little differently, but apart from that I wouldn’t change anything because I feel like everything happens for a reason,” he said, calling it redemption from 2012 after getting disqualified last time.
He adds, to be able to do it with his teammates was pretty special.
His message to his Calgary fans:
“I really appreciate the support, I see everything and I really appreciate it guys, thank you so much for having my back.”
