By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter
LENOIR CITY (WATE) - Olympic fever continues to spread in East Tennessee. On Saturday hundreds of people came out to support local Olympian Claire Donahue from Lenoir City as she swam in the semifinals at 2:30 p.m.
People in Lenoir City have been supporting her ever since they found out she was going to the Olympics.
The folks at the Lenoir City Parks and Recreation Department started a fan page for her on Facebook and organized the Claire Donahue Celebration at the Lenoir City Chili's Saturday to watch her swim.
"It's such a big honor for her to get to this point in her life," said Lenoir City Parks and Recreation Director Steve Harrelson. "I mean to be able to make it to the Olympics as a swimmer, to actually have someone accomplish that from Lenoir City, it's just exciting."
Claire's two brothers, Zach and Dean, were not able to go to London, but they came out to Chili's to support their sister.
"This is pretty awesome, happy to be a part of this," said Dean Donahue. "I love that the community has done this."
Claire's brothers said they are not surprised she made it to the Olympics.
"Just the drive she's had," said Zach Donahue. "She's worked so hard. She always worked. She would pass up opportunities to hang with friends to train."
"It's constant dedication," said Dean Donahue, "Get up at five in the morning, going to swim practice before school, after school. She's stayed dedicated the whole time."
Claire's parents, and her sister, are in London cheering her on.
Claire came in fifth place overall Saturday in the semifinals. She is now set to go for gold on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
"Good job, Claire," said Zach Donahue, "Just be there and swim your hardest. We love you."
There will be another celebration for Claire at the Lenoir City Chili's Sunday starting at 2 p.m, to watch Claire in the finals.
Claire's brothers cheer her on.
Another fan holds up Claire's picture.
