Olympic gold medalist Claire Donahue coming home to East Tenn.

By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter

LENOIR CITY (WATE) - Olympic gold medalist Claire Donahue will arrive back home in East Tennessee Tuesday night.

Donahue, who grew up in Lenoir City, won a gold medal Saturday as part of the 4X100 medley relay.

Claire's mother, Connie, works at Jaws Swim Shop in Knoxville. She's really excited about her daughter coming home.

"We are going to celebrate, just hanging out with the family is her favorite thing to do," Connie Donahue said.

She was able to spend five days with her daughter in London, and says it's hard to describe the feeling of watching your child swim in the Olympics.
  
"We are just amazed," Connie said. "We are so excited for her. It's been her dream forever. For her to be able to achieve her dreams, it just makes me excited for her."

The Lenoir City Parks and Recreation Department ordered several welcome home banners for Claire's homecoming.

"Everyone in Lenoir City has been so proud of Claire," said Parks and Recreation director Steve Harrelson. "We just wanted to let her know when she first arrives how proud we are and how much we've been trying to support her and encourage her."

The banners are placed at the beginning of Claire's subdivision in Lenoir City.

"We are just really proud of her," said Engraphics owner Dennis Nabors, who made one of the banners. "It's just a big accomplishment for her and the city."

"Claire, we are just proud of you," Harrelson said. "You've worked hard all your life. It's good to see you accomplish your goal. We are excited to see you bring the gold home."

Claire's mother says her daughter plans to continue to swim.

"I would love to see her to travel as much as possible," Connie said. "With her ranking, she gets invitations and meets. The USA will use her. I want her to experience the world while she can."

Her mom says 2016 is not out of the question for the Olympic games.