Parry Sound’s Meghan Oldham soars to bronze in slopestyle

Parry Sound is readying to celebrate Meghan Oldham's bronze medal at the winter games.

People in Parry Sound were ignited with excitement the moment Meghan Oldham claimed the bronze medal at the winter Olympics this morning.

“I was watching this morning and tears did come to my eyes,” says Kristy Kujala, Oldham’s teacher at Parry Sound High School. “I was so proud - it was such a proud moment knowing Meghan, it was such a proud moment for our little town too.”

From coffee shops to Oldham’s former high school, everyone was watching and celebrating as the 24-year-old took to the podium in the ski slopestyle event.

Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey is a family friend and says Oldham has represented the community with success and class.

“It’s wonderful because in a community like this, a lot of people know each other so we’ve got that opportunity that the community knows the family and makes them even more excited because there’s that relationship,” says McGarvey.

Many of the staff at Parry Sound High School are still teaching years after Oldham’s graduation and have fond memories of her time as a student, not surprised with her new-found success.

“I taught Meghan a couple of years ago - she took my personal fitness class, was a very hard worker, really dedicated, really committed to her training to her sport,” says Alissa Weichel, a teacher at Parry Sound High School.

Another teacher of the school recalls her connection with Oldham.

“With my morning classes, I was playing the third run for all of my students to see and it’s just inspiration for all of our students at Parry Sound High School. If you can dream it, you can do it, so we’re just so proud of Meghan,” says Kristy Kujala.

Everyone seemed to be aware of the podium finish for Oldham, many saying they made sure they woke up extra early to see it for themselves.

Parry Sound resident Peter Istvan said, “We caught the final run and it was just so exciting for her family and Parry Sound.”

Residents say they can’t wait for her to return home to celebrate. McGarvey says the town is working on plans for an official celebration.