Skeleton world champ Hallie Clarke returned home to Brighton Saturday, March 9, 2024. /Sarah Hyatt
It was a momentous afternoon for the community Saturday as Brighton welcomed home 19-year-old Hallie Clarke, the new world champion of women’s skeleton.
In February, Clarke made history as the youngest – and second woman ever – to win a skeleton world championship crown in Winterberg, Germany. Her gold-medal win with a four-run time of 3:51.27 also made her the fifth Canadian ever to earn the world title.
Fresh off her historic win, a humble Clarke made time to return home and visit with area residents who filled the Brighton Public Library for some one-on-one time with the Team Canada racer.
Clarke arrived in a smooth ride – a Brighton fire truck – with fire and police escorting her to the library. And someone special was behind the wheel, noted Clarke.
Clarke was met with roaring applause as residents rallied to “clap in” and congratulate the 19-year-old after her 2024 Skeleton World Championships win.
Inside the library, the municipality had decked out the multi-purpose room for “Hallie’s Homecoming” – there were gifts, certificates of congratulations, a giant card residents signed for “Brighton’s superstar,” and more, as Clarke’s winning race also played in the background.
“I’m really excited that the town could come out and support (me) – the support means so much,” said Clarke, as she settled into a table set up inside to sign autographs and take photos with attendees, taking in the sights of family and friends, too.
“It’s really special and it’s really exciting.”
And it was nice to be back home – even if it’s just for a few days before Clarke is back in action.
“And I’m taking all of it in – I’m really appreciating everything,” added Clarke.
Clarke started skeleton at just 14 years old in 2018, living in Calgary at the time.
“It just happened to be by chance. I happened to walk past a sign that said, ‘Learn to push.’”
She recalled thinking, “that sounds so Canadian” – and long story short, she tried it and “fell in love with it.”
“You do get some bumps and bruises, for sure, when it doesn’t go right,” added the humble Clarke, with a hint of laughter.
Thinking back to that sign and the lead up to a championship title, it’s still surreal, noted Clarke Saturday afternoon as she looked back at the screen playing her winning race.
Becoming a world champion, that’s the dream – it happening this quickly was a surprise, she said.
But perhaps what has been most special have been the celebrations with loved ones and family, noted Clarke.
Mom was there when Clarke netted gold, too, making for an amazing experience.
And Clarke’s not done. Her season isn’t over – and she still has dreams to qualify for the Olympics.
Clarke was set to head back to Lake Placid, New York in the coming days for her next race.
The last woman to win skeleton world gold was Michelle Kelly in 2003.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
