ICYMI: Look back at the celebrations for Ocala’s three Olympic medalists – Ocala

Olympian Brittany Bowe Visits Trinity Catholic

Beijing Olympics Bronze Medalist in the 1,000 meter Speed Skating event, Brittany Bowe, visited her alma mater Friday.

Doug Engle, Ocala Star-Banner

Ocala's three Olympic speedskaters Brittany Bowe, Erin Jackson and Joey Mantia were honored at many events this past weekend. In case you missed it, here are links to the Star-Banner's coverage.

The three athletes spoke at a special breakfast Friday morning. Among other things, Mantia explained what his life was like in his part of the Olympic Village, since he was the senior member of his squad.

'Finally, I'm an Olympic medalist': Ocala's Joey Mantia wins bronze in team speedskate

Medal time: Ocala's Brittany Bowe wins bronze in 1,000 meter speedskate

GOLD!: Ocala's Erin Jackson wins 500-meter speedskate in Beijing Olympics

"There's a really broad gap of different ages and maturity levels there, so I was rooming with these guys the whole Olympics, and it was just like a frat house, so I'm just like constantly cleaning up, he joked. What I lack in height, I make up for in responsibility.

More from Danielle Johnson: Breakfast of champions: Ocala's Olympic speedskaters discuss success, 2026 prospects

Mantia and Jackson both attended Howard Middle School. The Star-Banner was there to document their visit to their alma mater. There also are some photos of Mantia at Vanguard High School.

Doug Engle's gallery: Ocala Olympic medal winners Erin Jackson and Joey Mantia visit their alma maters

Bowe, Class of 2006, was back at Trinity Catholic High School for a visit. Students were allowed to ask her questions, and one guy asked if she would be his prom date.

Doug Engle's gallery: Olympic bronze medalist Brittany Bowe visits her alma mater, Ocala's Trinity Catholic H.S.

Read Marty Pallman's story: Back to school: Ocala Trinity Catholic honors Olympian Brittany Bowe

See Doug Engle's video: Olympian Brittany Bowe Visits Trinity Catholic

Friday night, Jackson was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Black History Museum of Marion County.

"You never imagine watching someone growing up would one daybe an Olympic champion," one of her aunts, Jackie Walker, said.

Read Austin Miller's story: Ocala's Erin Jackson inducted into the Black History Museum of Marion County's Hall of Fame

See Doug Engle's gallery: Olympian Erin Jackson inducted into Black History Museum of Marion County's Hall of Fame

Bowe, Mantia and Jackson got their start as inline skaters in Ocala. On Saturday, they were back at the Skate A Way South roller rink in Ocala, participating in a special event with kids set up by the Kids Central social service agency.

Doug Engle was there and prepared this photo gallery.

On Saturday, Bowe, Jackson and Mantia rode into downtown Ocala atop a military vehicle. It was the tail end of the parade that the city threw to honor its Olympians.

The parade was followed by a ceremony on the downtown square where all three athletes were given keys to the city.

Read Austin Miller's story: Parade of champions: Ocalas three Olympians honored with parade and downtown ceremony

See Doug Engle's gallery: Ocala parade honors Olympic speedskaters Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia and Brittany Bowe

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ICYMI: Look back at the celebrations for Ocala's three Olympic medalists - Ocala