WESTPORT — More than 600 people turned out to a sold-out event at The Westport Library on Saturday night celebrating the snow-sliding success of a favorite local hero.
Julia Marino, 24, who took the silver medal in women’s slopestyle snowboarding this winter in the Olympics in Beijing, China, was back in town — signing autographs for hundreds of happy fans and sharing a bit about her experiences.
“It means so much to me,” Marino said of the welcome and event. “I love it. It’s nice to come back.”
In a short question-and-answer program with veteran ESPN sportscaster Jeremy Schaap, who likewise calls Westport home, Marino stated that her busy schedule has her away from town for the better part of the year.
“I’m pretty much constantly traveling … but it’s a fun life,” she said.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker — who along with State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, respectively announced local and state proclamations in Marino’s honor — hailed her as an example of grace, generosity and humility beyond her work.
“I can imagine that her parents are just as proud of the person she is, as her many wins,” she said.
Her mother, Elaine Marino, said that her daughter — who demonstrated unique athletic abilities from an early age — continues to feel strongly connected to her town.
“Westport is really very meaningful to her,” she said, with the young Olympian’s time spent at the Compo Beach skate park, among other places.
“It formed who she is today,” she said.
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