Olympian Laura Fortino made Hamilton a 'gold medal city': mayor
Fortino assisted on the gold-medal winning goal
Hamilton is a “gold medal city” now that native Laura Fortino has brought home the gold, says Mayor Bob Bratina.
In a presentation to the Ancaster hockey player on Wednesday, Bratina said Fortino is the first locally born Hamiltonian to win Olympic gold. Fortino was a member of the Canadian women's hockey team, which won gold in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.
“It’s been a brilliant Olympics,” Bratina said before presenting Fortino with a certificate and flowers on behalf of council.
Fortino has checked her messages since she’s been home and seen the support she got from Hamilton, she said.
“Not only was I proud to represent Canada, but to represent Hamilton and see all the encouragement and support that I had,” she said. “It was unbelievable.”
Fortino assisted on the gold medal-winning goal against the Americans. Don't be surprised if the defenceman is back on the ice for Canada in the 2018 Olympics in South Korea.
Fortino isn’t the first Hamilton resident to win Olympic gold. Bobby Kerr, an Irish-born sprinter, won gold in the 200-metre race in 1908.