Dozens of people bundled up and gathered around a large screen at Torpy Park in Minocqua Tuesday night.
Fires were lit, people roasted marshmallows, and the Lakeland Ski Team sold hot chocolate.
As commentators started talking about the men competing in the sprint ski quarter finals, the crowd left zero doubt as to who they were rooting for.
Kevin Bolger grew up in Minocqua and competed for the Lakeland Ski Team.
Many of the people watching the race on the big screen are current members of that team, like Maye MacLean and Kristiana Clay.
“I didn’t even know there was cross-country skiing in the Olympics until I joined the program. Coming from a really small town, it’s amazing to see how far you can go in this sport. And how inclusive it is. From really beginners to all the way to Beijing is amazing to me,” said MacLean.
“It’s just really awesome that someone from such a small area can make it so far and just that the sport can take you anywhere you want to go,” said Clay.
Bolger ended up finishing fourth in his first Olympic race and didn’t qualify for the finals.
In a Facebook post following the race, Bolger said, “I was hoping for more-but am still extremely happy! I executed a plan but came up a bit short- Still unbelievable to be here at my first Olympics-Thank you all for the relentless support!”
While it wasn’t the finish Bolger was hoping for, his hometown couldn’t be prouder.
