After winning a historic bronze medal in the women’s rugby sevens during the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, Ariana Ramsey returned to her native Pennsylvania where she received a homecoming to remember.
Ramsey, 24, arrived at Philadelphia International Airport around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14. She was greeted by a crowd of family and friends who welcomed her with hugs, signs and "USA" chants.
“I have not seen my family in so long," Ramsey said at the airport. "It’s been like, a month. So it’s really exciting to have everybody here in one place. All of my family members. The news. It’s just amazing. And I got the bronze medal. So, I came home with the hardware this time.”
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Ramsey then traveled to her hometown of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, around 4 p.m. Wednesday where a parade was held in her honor. The Olympian's friends, family and Bridgeport community members all cheered her on as she arrived in a firetruck.
"This is amazing! Like, I don't even know what to say. I'm lost for words," Ramsey said. "I'm overwhelmed. I'm happy. I'm excited. I just want to cry. I'm so excited. This is wild. Like my whole team, community, is backing me? This is wild."
The celebrations for Ramsey won't end with the parade. Bridgeport's Council President told NBC10 there's an ice cream created in her honor as well as a sandwich named after her. They also plan to give her a key to the city and a "hometown hero" plaque.
“Just an insane amount of support," Ramsey said. "It just shows who I have supporting me. Who has my back and everybody who’s here. Who’s watching the game and watching rugby grow. It’s just amazing.”
Ariana Ramsey
Ramsey and her U.S. teammates secured their first ever Olympic rugby sevens medal with a 14-12 victory over Australia in the bronze medal match on July 30 after losing to New Zealand earlier that day.
Along with her historic win, Ramsey also gained attention on social media after she documented all the free health care services that were available during her time at the Olympics.
In a series of TikTok videos, Ramsey shared her preventative care journey, including getting a Pap smear, eye exam, a new pair of glasses and a dental appointment with X-rays — all for free, courtesy of the Olympic Village.
