Leamington’s Kitch Grubb wins gold
Sports
Posted By By Mark Ribble, Leamington Post
Posted 1 month ago
When Kitch Grubb took to the pool last Wednesday, the contingency of 15 or so local family and friends held their collective breath. They could feel something special was about to happen.
And it did.
The 25-year-old Leamington Special Olympian won the gold in the 50 metre back crawl, finishing the race in 58.38 seconds, a full two seconds ahead of his nearest opponent.
The event was the Canadian National Special Olympics and it was held at the Univeristy of Western Ontario in London over the course of last week. Almost 1500 athletes competed.
Kitch had won gold in the same event at the Provincial meet in Spring 2008, but this took on a whole new meaning for he and his family.
Kitch has been participating in the Special Olympics for many years and has spent the past 12 years swimming competitively.
He also swims with the Essex County Warriors on Thursday nights.
His favourite moment was standing on the podium.
"I could hear my family cheering and getting the medal was fun," he said.
His dad, Bob and mom Michele were on hand with several friends and family members. Kitch's aunt, Jodi Grubb was emotional through the whole thing.
"Just to sit there and realize that this was for all of Canada was amazing. Kitch has given us an experience that is second to none. We owe him for such a moment," she said.
Kitch just said, "aunt Jodi cried."
A sign adorns their front yard on Donald Avenue, simply saying "Kitch won Gold!"
Kitch credits his coach, Steve Bachelor, for helping him hone his swimming skills.
He couldn't be prouder of his medal, making sure he stopped at Burger King in Leamington, where he works, to show his fellow employees.
In the end, his smile says it all. And that's what the Special Olympics are all about.
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