Bridget Carleton (Photo courtesy of fiba.basketball)Bridget Carleton (Photo courtesy of fiba.basketball)
Chatham

Chatham's Bridget Carleton looking forward to Paris Olympics next week

A Chatham Olympian is getting ready for another Olympic Games in Paris, France.

It's Bridget Carleton's second Games after competing in Tokyo in 2020.

Carleton told CK Mornings the magnitude of the Games is not lost on her and she wants to be a team leader and help the the Canadian Women’s National Basketball Team win a medal in 2024.

Carleton said now that she has one Olympics under her belt, her focus is on providing leadership for the rookies and helping Canada win.

"There's a blindness to it your first time around. Everything is new. So, I have that under my belt. I can lead the way for the young ones that are experiencing it for the first time. So, I'm really excited to step into that leadership role. There's a lot going on at the Olympics and so many distractions and things to do and people to see and talk to," said the Chatham John McGregor Secondary School graduate.

Carleton said she is looking forward to having her family in the stands watching the games this time. Athletes at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 were restricted because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am really excited that my family is going to be there. My mom and my dad and my aunt and uncle are coming. It's my dad's first time in Europe and I'm really excited for them to experience Europe and France and the Olympic excitement. So, that's what I'm most looking forward to," said Carleton.

Carleton said being part of two Olympics has been an incredible ride.

"It's just incredible seeing the different body types, the different style of athletes from all around the world. It's incredible to know I'm part of that. The best players in my country representing our country. It's just incredible and it's so surreal walking through the village and seeing all of that," the 27-year-old forward said.

Carleton also said she's extremely grateful for all of the hometown support during the current WNBA season with the Minnesota Lynx and the upcoming Olympics.

Team Canada's first game is next Monday, July 29.

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