The capital region is celebrating its local athletes who will be competing in Rio for the 2016 Summer Games. Among them will be 18-year-old golfer Brooke Henderson, who had her Olympic send-off Friday at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.
“It Is mind blowing to be honest, but I’m super excited and definitely medal hopeful, so hopefully I’ll bring home a gold,” said Henderson.
The Smiths Falls native is heading to Rio to compete in women’s golf alongside her sister, Brittany Henderson, who will be her caddie at Rio.
“It’s awesome that we get to do it together, I mean, it just makes it so much more fun and so much more special to us. We always consider ourselves a team, so it’s just so exciting to be doing it together,” said Brittany.
The pair will be travelling without their parents, who often attend Henderson’s tournaments. Dave Henderson, Brooke’s father, said he is incredibly proud of both his daughters and will be watching their journey closely from home.
“We will stand down for the Olympics because of what I call ‘the red flags’. Brooke is aware she can step down at any time for threats of Zika, or political, or unrest,” he said.
Brittany said they are prepared to wear long sleeve shirts and pants as a precaution for the Zika virus. They also plan to focus on the course, and learn what they can about it, before taking on this challenge together.
“You know winning the major championship with her on my bag and then winning in Portland with her on my bag, it’s a really cool feeling, so hopefully we can repeat it down in Rio and she’ll be standing on the podium with me,” Henderson said.
The pair will spend a few days at home before leaving for Rio on Wednesday.
