A throwaway comment from Bette Garbett, local Western sports fanatic and study hall teacher, about one day going to the Olympics became a reality when Thomas Heilman, Western swimmer was favored to make the US Olympic team. True to form she flew with her family to Paris in support of her student.
They flew to London for sightseeing and then rode the Eurostar train to Paris where the action began. “Our hotel was next to the Paris La Defense Arena where the swimming events were held. The lines were long so we went 2 hours early to watch Thomas warm up before he swam.” At the venue, the Garbett’s spent their time watching all of Heilman’s races as well as seeing other world class swimmers and their events. Garbett remarked that the most emotional moment for her was when Heilman was introduced. “Knowing how tirelessly he worked to fulfill this dream brought tears to my eyes. We had a replica of the banner hanging at the WAHS fence and held it up. Everyone in our section cheered for him, no matter the nationality.”
While in Paris, the Garbetts also got to visit some historic monuments and try some of the local cuisine, happy to find that french fries were always on the menu. Her favorite part of being there was, “the friendliness of the fans that came together to celebrate these incredible athletes who cheered for Thomas even though they didn’t know him.”
Garbett’s trip came as no surprise, sharing that anyone who knows her knows that she loves WAHS, because of her proclivity for their sports. This love has been long held as many of her family members were involved in athletics, “My son ran track at UVA and I was a coach’s wife for 32 years because I believe to support these young people means that we can talk about these events and be made aware of the incredible things they are doing. “Her colleague, Jeff Stone shares he believes her role is important to student athletes because it, “helps the kids feel supported by people of different generations and it makes them feel rightfully proud of their accomplishments and efforts.” This was truly the trip of a lifetime for Bette Garbett.
