Vermont family grateful for 'unbelievable' support for Tokyo-bound athlete

THE TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES START TWO WEEKS FROM THIS FRIDAY! AND ACROSS VERMONT'S FRANKLIN COUNTY...HOME OF A MEMBER OF TEAM USA...THE EXCITEMENT IS ALREADY HIGH. GH JACK THURSTON HAS THAT STORY. To Annie Purrier ((ANNIE PURRR IE/ Mother of Team USA Runner: 25:38 - It's just amazing.)) Two waves of pride. First, her

athlete

daughter Elle Purrier St. Pierre qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. ((ANNIE PURRIER / Mother of Team USA runner: 31:36 - Sometimes I can't even believe it myself.)) Now, the runner's mother is witnessing a gold medal performance by the Vermont team when it comes to community

support

. ((ANNIE PURRIER / Mother of Team USA runner: 25:29 - We're getting teary-eyed and if I'm not careful, I could do it now.)) On the

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dairy farm in Montgomery: Purrier us He says he's simply amazed by all the signs on the lawn, the praise at the grocery store and the post office, and the notes that come in non-stop. ((ANNIE PURRIER / Mom of Team USA Athlete: 37:57: I appreciate everything everyone does and all the positive vibes that come from everyone.)) ((Nats raising a banner)) In the center of reenactment of Montgomery, a large banner reads "Go Elle Go-Tokyo or flop: leave them in the dust." In fact, she made it her duty for the Fourth of July parade here, which featured an appearance by the milkmaid-turned-Olympic

athlete

herself.

On Monday she resettled, with the aim of maintaining that good energy. CHARLIE HANCOCK / Montgomery Selectboard Chairman: 10:54 p.m.: I think this past year has been difficult for everyone. So to have something like this to celebrate and hold and look forward to, everyone really wishes you the best of luck with the opportunity.)) In West Swanton, or as Amy Lamoureux calls it ((AMY LAMOUREAUX / I ce Cream Booth Owner: 50:50: Elle Purrier Nation!)) ((Nats)) Devyns Creemee's booth is selling "All Amerin ca Elle:", a hot fudge sundae with red, white and blue sprinkles. It costs $3.58, matching the competitor's ultra-fast ranking in time, and she's raising money for a charity that Purrier St.

Pierre will choose. ((AMY LAMOUREAUX / Ice Cream Stand Owner: 51:04: Everyone is really happy to see her go to the Olympics. JACK: How do you think she'll do? AMY: I think she'll do amazing. She'll do great to come back home with the goal)) d! Those region-wide hugs, in some ways, help a little with the disappointment. Look, Elle's

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can't travel to Japan; No outside spectators are allowed to do so, due to COVID-19 safety rules. ((ANNIE PURRIER / Team USA runner's mom: 28:32: We're the best of a bad situation.)) Therefore, she will be able to watch TV only during the Games, just like the rest of us .

And no predictions about the results on the track and in the 1,500 meters from this superstitious mother: she doesn't want to risk cursing anything. ((