Olympic bronze medalist from Duanesburg returns home to hero’s welcome

COLONIE – Olympic bronze medalist Emma White returned home to the Albany International Airport on Thursday evening.

The Team USA cyclist came home to a surprise hero’s welcome at the airport, including a special water cannon salute as her plane pulled into the terminal.

Family and friends waited inside with balloons and signs to welcome her home.

“It’s so special to come home and see my family all out here waiting for me,” said White, smiling through tears. “Everybody is so supportive. It’s been a really long travel day. I’m really, really happy to be home.”

White’s team went into the Tokyo Olympics as world champions, so she said they were hoping for gold, but she is happy to finish as the third-fastest team in the world.

For now she is back home in Duanesburg, resting and enjoying time with family.