BOYNE CITY - Olympic gold medalist Kaila Kuhn returned to Boyne City Thursday afternoon for a homecoming celebration following her victory at the Winter Olympics. Kuhn was the only woman on the U.S. Mixed Freestyle Aerial Skiing team that won gold.
The event marked Kuhn’s first visit to her hometown since the Olympics. Residents and members of the “Rambler faithful” gathered to welcome the athlete, who participated in a local parade and spoke at her former high school to celebrate her achievement.
Kuhn participated in a parade through downtown Boyne City and addressed a packed crowd at the high school from which she graduated. During the event, city officials presented her with the key to Boyne City.
Kuhn spoke about the reception she received in her hometown. “I have gotten just such an overwhelming amount of love and support here. It’s just absolutely incredible,” Kuhn said. “I mean, just when I think the city has gone above and beyond to support me, they do something else and take it a step further.
She said she hopes her success encourages younger generations in the community to pursue their own goals.“To finally have this around my neck. I still don’t think I’ve really registered it,” Kuhn said. “Just because it’s not really a feeling I can describe to any of you. It’s just, an overwhelming sense of pride. Not only for myself, but, representing this town and my country. And if I can just inspire one little kid to go out and follow their dreams and do something amazing, I feel like I’ll have done my job.”
Kuhn plans to compete in the 2030 Winter Olympics and intends to continue participating in World Cup events. “I definitely feel like I’m getting to a point in my career where I’m just starting to get to the point where I can be consistent and start winning events more often,” Kuhn said. “So I really feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg.”