Park City’s Parade of Winners: A Cheerful Return
A lively street pulsed with cheers as athletes who represented the United States in Milan‑Cortina 2026 returned to Park City. The crowd gathered on Main Street, waving flags and ringing cowbells while the athletes made their way down the closed‑off road. The parade, organized by a local sports alliance born after Utah’s 2002 Winter Games, offers kids the chance to try many sports.
Spotlight on Luger Ashley Farquharson
- Bronze medalist in women’s singles
- Has carried the medal since sliding on the Utah Olympic Park track at age eleven
- Now 27, she talks about how the medal feels like a constant reminder of her excitement
- Already preparing for 2030 Winter Games and possibly the 2034 Paralympics
City’s Olympic Spirit
Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey highlighted that 56 local athletes made up 16 % of Team USA, collecting 11 medals. He called the city an “Olympic town” and celebrated its athletes as part of a growing community.
Young Fans with Big Dreams
| Name | Age | Aspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Finley Rohbock | 15 | Admired her mother’s 2006 silver medal win; wants to follow in her footsteps |
| River Mercer | 6 | Thrilled by a Paralympic pin; enjoys watching figure skating more than doing it herself |
Both children were encouraged by their parents to stay active and explore new passions, hoping they will find a love for sport.
The parade captured the spirit of Park City: an active, supportive place where Olympians and aspiring athletes walk side by side. Families from out of state returned to see the local heroes, many feeling the city’s pride in its athletes.
