The atmosphere at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport was electric Friday, as excited fans awaited the return of Nova Scotia’s Olympic star, Ellie Black.
“It’s so incredible to come home and have everyone that’s supported you, your friends, your family be waiting here. I’m so, so very thankful for the support here at home,” Black said, minutes after disembarking her return flight from Rio.
This is Black’s second Olympic appearance — she made her debut in London 2012.
READ MORE: Canada’s Ellie Black places 5th, Isabela Onyshko 18th in women’s individual all-around
And after a breakout artistic gymnastics year in 2015, she’s closing out 2016 with a sensational performance in Rio.
Black and her Manitoba-born teammate, Onyshko represented Canada in the individual all-around.
Black advanced to the all-around final and ended up setting a new Canadian record for best ever female finish in the event.
It’s a success story that’s inspiring young gymnasts from her home gym, Alta Gymnastics in Halifax.
“It’s just incredible knowing she helps you at the gym and she never gives up and that you know her. And she’s in the Olympics on the big stage!” said 12-yer-old gymnast Lenka Sevcik.
Black’s relentless drive and positive attitude is something many gymnasts admire.
“Her attitude and the way she competes is amazing. She’s always so focused and the way she just does it, is insane,” Enya Pouliot said, a 14-year-old gymnast from Lower Sackville’s, Taiso Gymnastics Club.
But it’s not just the fans who are in awe, Black has just as much admiration for everybody who’s supported her since the beginning.
“It really does take a whole team and a whole community behind you to get to this level and I can’t even put it into words how thankful I am,” Black said.
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