Canton Township Swells With Pride As Davis & White Return Home With Gold

Meryl Davis and Charlie White came home victorious to Canton, Michigan, and Sunday, they celebrated with all of their hometown fans. They went to Sochi and set a short program record for highest score, then backed that up by setting the record for highest score in the freedance, giving them the record for highest cumulative score ever, by an Olympic ice dancing team. In doing that, they became the first American ice dancing team to ever to win an Olympic Gold Medal.

This was the result of 17 years of hard work and incredible dedication, and these are the magical moments that make the Olympics so special.

My first impression of Meryl and Charlie, was how lucky we are to have such a nice couple representing us. These two are down to earth, funny, polite, and articulate, all rolled into one amazing package.

Canton Township threw them a fabulous homecoming party at the Village Theater, complete with WDIV Sports anchor Steve Garagiola emceeing the event. Davis and White were joined by their parents, and coach Marina Zoueva as well.

Davis and White did a press conference before the event, and here are some notes from that:

Davis and White took a year off from their studies at U of M for the Olympics, and I asked whether they would be continuing their studies at some point in the future, and they both said that they would definitely be going back to U of M to get their degrees, with Charlie stating tongue in cheek that he intends to be a “walk on” to the football team, and Meryl later telling folks that the next time she sits on this stage “I'll have graduated.”

On a serious note Charlie indicated that they are huge advocates for education, huge U of M fans, and that while he isn't exactly sure how long it will take, they are most certainly going to get their U of M degrees. This of course warms my Maize & Blue heart.

At some point the inevitable Dancing With The Stars questions came up, and as a follow up I asked the uncomfortable question that everybody wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. I asked Charlie, who between the two of you has the edge in this competition? Without hesitation, he quickly answered “Meryl.” This young man is not only funny, he is also smart! Charlie was not about to give Meryl any extra motivation, and Meryl just smiled a knowing smile. My money may just be on Meryl in this competition, but I reserve the right to change my mind.

I asked them if this was just a fun thing to do after the Olympics, or if they were going to go at this with all of the focus that they displayed at the Olympics, and Meryl said that, “While you can never turn off the competitive juices, this is going to be a fun experience after the Olympics, along with performing at Skating With The Stars events which we will also be doing.”

When asked about how it might feel to be competing with each other, they both said that they felt comfortable with it, and because they have different dance coaches, it will almost be like getting a private lesson, which is something they have done often in their 17 years together as skaters.

When asked about them possibly having a competitive edge in the competition, based on their ice dancing experience, Charlie said that “It almost feels like we have to unlearn many things, and that we are much more comfortable on skates than on our own feet.”

One of the reporters who had never been so close to a gold medal, asked about the medal itself, and how heavy it was. Charlie just smiled and said “It feels exactly like a gold medal should feel.” This got a good laugh, and I can tell you, from my perspective, they were fabulous looking medals, and these two wear them perfectly.

They not only wear these medals perfectly, but the pride they show is amazing, the thankfulness they exhibit is amazing. Meryl and Charlie wanted to take a few minutes before the event even began to thank all those in Canton, in Michigan, and all over the country for supporting them. Meryl stood up and said that “We felt all of your support not only before we left, but we felt it in Sochi as well, and we are very thankful for that support.”

Charlie said that during the gold medal ceremony, “As they were raising the flag, you were just so proud to be an American, and so lucky to represent our country.” This statement is an excellent example of what quality individuals they truly are. There is no ego in these two, they are humble, and thankful for everything, and are proud to be able to share their experiences with everybody.

Well Meryl and Charlie, we are all very proud of you as well. I can't think of two better representatives for our country, not only as athletes, but as people off the ice as well...