PEABODY ― The air was electric at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School as the city gathered Saturday morning to honor its first Olympic athlete in more than 20 years, Heather MacLean.
MacLean had a summer to remember as she represented the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this past August. She thrilled the hometown fans who gathered on a steamy mid-August night at Leather City Commons to watch her race her way into the semifinals of the 1500-meter run, coming from behind to finish with a time of 4:02.40.j While she fell short of qualifying for the final, the 2017 University of Massachusetts grad said she had the experience of a lifetime.
And she said she owes it all to the community.
“I just really appreciate all the support from the community, it meant the world to me and it’s really helped me get to where I am,” she said to the crowd on Saturday. “Running in Tokyo was incredible and seeing all of the videos and social media posts from all of you was incredible. The (Leather City Commons) viewing party was amazing, knowing that so many of my family and friends were there cheering me on as you are today is such a great feeling. I thank all of you.”
Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. presented MacLean with a key to the city as well as a large gift basket containing numerous donations from the likes of Dunkin’ Donuts and local businesses like Create & Escape.
Bettencourt described MacLean as a true inspiration for the entire community and said how proud he was to be able to honor the Olympic runner.
“I feel whenever people need help or if somebody is down, Peabody is there to support them, and when somebody is doing well and doing something amazing for our community, people from Peabody are there to support them and cheer them on,” said Bettencourt. “I think that’s what makes our community special in so many ways. Heather is just an amazing young lady and the best is still yet to come with her.”
Bettencourt was just one of many city and state officials in attendance. That group included several members of the City Council and School Committee as well as State reps Tom Walsh and Sally Keran and a representative from the office of Sen. Joan Lovely, who was unable to attend. Peabody coaches Fernando Braz and Joe Rocha were also on hand as was Phil Sheridan, who was the athletic director while MacLean attended Peabody High. She also received a citation from the commonwealth as well as a proclamation from the city declaring Sept. 4, 2021 as Heather MacLean Day in Peabody.
But this summer was just a tip of the iceberg for the 2013 Peabody graduate. Her career got off to a late start in high school; she joined the indoor track team as a junior. A mere 18 months later, she left behind an unparalleled legacy, setting school records in the 400-, 600- and 800-meter runs as well as the 4×400, 4×800, sprint medley and distance medley relays. While not known as a distance runner, she took up cross country and helped lead her team to a state championship with a team top-five finish as a senior.
She became a three-time All-American, and in her collegiate career she set records for the 800- and 1500-meter, the mile, and the 4×400 relay. She also owns the second-best mark in the steeplechase. UMass coach Julie LaFreniere spoke at length about the many obstacles MacLean overcame on her way to success.
MacLean said that the support she has received from the community has been really special and that she felt honored following the ceremony.
But now it’s back to work for MacLean. After a brief break to rest, she began training again on Friday and will be focused on the upcoming track-and-field world championship. She is also gearing up for a second Olympic run in 2024 in Paris.
