Safety precautions force local Olympians to appear virtually at send-off event
[anvplayer video=”5042468″ station=”998122″]
Like so many events over the last 16 months, a planned send-off for Minnesota Olympians at the State Fairgrounds on Saturday had to make a last-minute adjustment. Organizers say they received late word from Team USA that local gymnasts Suni Lee and Grace McCallum would not be allowed to greet supporters in person.
"Hi guys!" Lee shouted over a Zoom connection to a large TV on stage at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. "We really appreciate everybody’s support, but I really wish I was there to see you all."
Lee and McCallum were also joined, virtually, by their team member on the men’s side, Shane Wiskus, a University of Minnesota alum who moved to Colorado Springs after the school cut its men’s gymnastics program last year.
"I just want to … reiterate my gratitude to the state of Minnesota and all of the support I’ve gotten from everyone back home," Wiskus said.
Grace McCallum’s coaches were among those who attended the send-off, including Steve Hafeman.
Minnesota gymnast Suni Lee joins a virtual send-off event Saturday, July 10, 2021, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights ahead of her departure for the Tokyo Olympic Games.[KSTP]
"She’s a great example of hard work and just keeping a positive attitude through tough times," Hafeman said.
The crowd of supporters included several young gymnasts who attend the same gym as McCallum and were disappointed to learn they would not be able to see her in person.
"I don’t really know her, but I’m still really excited for her," said Arianna Gayle, 8, who attended with her father.
"It really was out of our control to do this," Hafeman said about Lee and McCallum staying home. "But keep them safe, get them to Tokyo and go from there.”
Minnesota native and three-time Olympian John Roethlisberger also joined by videoconference to offer words of wisdom and encouragement.
"Just go over there and be you! Be Suni, be Grace, be Shane," Roethlisberger said. "Be the best versions of you that you know how to be. And don’t try to be anything else."
Organizers say they are raising money for Minnesota’s Olympians with the goal of paying for them to fly first class from San Francisco to Tokyo next week.