Raisman Homecoming Fit for an Olympian

NEEDHAM, MA — After traveling the world and winning medals left and right, there's still no place like home for six-time Olympic medalist Aly Raisman.

The Needham native was honored Saturday morning during the appropriately titled "Aly for Rally" at Needham Town Hall. Unlike the 2012 rally, which included a parade and remarks near Memorial Park, the roughly 45-minute celebration mostly consisted of an interview conducted by Mike Reily of 98.5 The Sports Hub and young gymnasts.

"I can't thank you enough for the support. I could really feel your support while competing and to all the girls out there, I home I can one day watch you in the Olympics," Raisman said.

For the packed town common, it was an opportunity to hear from Raisman, with Matthew Borrelli's brief remarks serving as the only words from a politician or elected official. The conversation with Reilly saw Raisman talk about her favorite moments of the Olympics and her rigorous training schedule, among other things.

Raisman also received a photo of the Fourth of July fireworks over Needham High School from the town and the selectmen declared the day Aly Raisman Day.

It's been a busy weekend for Raisman, who threw out the first pitch at Friday night's Red Sox came and arrived at Town Hall Saturday morning by fire truck. After returning to Needham last week, she's out of town again Sunday to present an award at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Earlier this month, Raisman won a gold medal in the team competitions, and silver in the individual all-around and floor exercise. She has six Olympic medals, the second most for an American gymnast.

This fall, Raisman is back on the road for the 2016 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions. The Boston stop is planned for Nov. 13.

Image Credit: Dan Libv