Niwot Olympian Elise Cranny headlines homecoming festivities

Back when she was a budding high school track star, Elise Cranny never thought she would be honored as she was during this year's Niwot Homecoming celebration. The 2014 Niwot graduate and 2021 U.S. Olympian was given a hero's tribute during the annual parade and football game on Sept. 17.

Before finishing 13th in the Olympic 5,000 meter race, Cranny helped Niwot win two 4A girls track titles and competed collegiately at Stanford University. She said that with no fans allowed in Tokyo, the support she received from the Niwot community was even more appreciated. Cranny's parents, Bob and Sandy, organized a watch party at Niwot Wheel Works while banners celebrating the local Olympian showered the town.

"To go back to the high school and just feel the support of a community that is truly just so special and made it possible for me to get to the Olympics' starting line... has been really special," Cranny said.

Her triumphant return marked her first time back in Niwot since December as things didn't slow down much for Cranny following her Olympic finals meet on Aug. 2. Over the span of just a few weeks, Cranny competed in four Diamond Leagueinvitational track meets which had her racing in Paris, Zurich, Brussels and Oregon.

Niwot principal Eric Rauschkolb invited Cranny to the homecoming festivities and even led her on a tour of the high school. There was no shortage of reunions for Cranny, who was surprised with how much NHShas changed since she graduated. She said catching up with Niwot track and field head coach Maurice Henriques at the game was memorable, but it was her opportunity to connect with students that stood out.

"A few of the high schoolers came up to me and asked for pictures or were asking about the experience," said Cranny, who was recognized between the first and second quarter of the game. "That's something that brings such a smile to my face because that's a big reason why I do this. It's a huge source of motivation for me in inspiring the younger generation, or hopefully being a person where if other people at Niwot High School see that someone can do it, then they think they can do it too."

Niwot's current batch of track and field athletes aren't exactly short on motivation following their 2021 4A state championships in both boys and girls track. Cranny said it has been impressive to watch the continued growth of her former team.

"The dominance of the program has just been incredible to see," Cranny said. "To go into the gym and see all the state championship banners from the last several years and so many of those being the track program and the dominance of the cross country program,... I feel so much pride in having been a part of the program and seeing where it is now."

Cranny wasn't the only local Olympian to make a strong return home. Silver Creek graduate Valerie Allman, who was Cranny's roommate at Stanford, took home the gold in women's discuss. Allman stopped by Silver Creek just days after her Olympic success and chatted with incoming freshmen at her alma mater.