Win or lose, hometown is behind Pendrel
CBC News
Posted: Aug 10, 2012 3:45 PM AT
Last Updated: Aug 10, 2012 7:56 PM AT
People in Pendrel's hometown of Harvey Station say, win or lose, the community is behind her. (Facebook)
Saturday is the big day for New Brunswick mountain biker Catharine Pendrel as she vies for a spot on the podium in London, and people in her hometown say, win or lose, the community is behind her.
Pendrel just missed a medal four years ago, finishing fourth in women's mountain biking at the Beijing games.
The 31-year-old from Harvey Station is now a leader on the World Cup scene and is set to compete on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. AT.
The 31-year-old from Harvey Station is now a leader on the World Cup scene and is set to compete on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. AT. (Clement Allard/Canadian Press)Dan Fletcher, one of the organizers of Harvey Community Fair Days, said the village is tailoring celebrations around the race.
"(She) rose up so quickly through the rankings, we weren't expecting her to be so successful in 2008. The community is more aware of her now and we've been preparing a for a couple of months to set this up as a great component of Harvey Community Days," Fletcher told CBC News.
"She's always full of a sense of calm, and she always puts a positive spin on everything, which is another reason why the community is so proud of her and just amazed at her accomplishments. The community will be behind her on Saturday win or lose for sure."
Winston Gamblin, the village mayor, says everyone is very proud to be the home of a world class athlete.
"We have a little shrine, pictures of her around and stuff like that but it is something, really," said Gamblin.
Bakery owner and former babysitter, Deanna Stewart, said she remembers Pendrel's determination.
"I used to babysit her and we used to go horseback riding together when she was little and everything she did she did with determination and drive," said Stewart.
Catharine's parents, Johanna Bertin and Bruce Pendrel, will be in London to watch the race.
Public screenings of Pendrel's race are taking place at the Lougheed Pub and the Masonic Lodge in Harvey Station.
"We've been promoting this, telling everyone, 'We want you here," we want everyone to cheer on Catharine because this is such an amazing moment for her," Fletcher said.
A parade will follow, kicking off celebrations for the Community Days event.
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