Gold medal moment (17 photos)

For a moment, several residents and seasonal visitors of Richards Landing had the opportunity to handle a gold medal from the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Brad Jacobs was at the Northern Credit Union for just over an hour Thursday morning, signing autographs and posing for photos with fans and supporters.

For many, the opportunity to rub elbows with a notable athlete like Jacobs was a once in a life time moment.

Jacobs greeted each of the estimated 35 people who stopped by the bank with a smile and a hand shake even though no introduction for most was necessary. 

"Hi I'm Brad Jacobs."

"I know who you are," was the reply from many.

Jacobs was the only one of the four member team present. Team mates, E.J. Harnden, Ryan Fry and Ryan Harnden were not available.

An avid fan of curling and hockey, Debbie Pritchard needed no introduction. 

The Richards Landing resident and her husband Eric watched Team Jacobs play in Sault Ste. Marie and on television whenever they played, and yes, she was glued to the television during the Winter Olympics and that final match.

"It was nice," said Pritchard, who met Jacobs for the first time. "When you're a fan of a team or an individual athlete, to actually meet them in person, shake their hand, hold the medal and get your picture taken, yes, it was nice."

Pritchard, like most, congratulated Jacobs on the team's Gold medal win.   

Fans were allowed to pick up the medal and for those who did, were surprised by the weight and size.

"Compared to the small medals handed out at for school accomplishments, the Olympic Gold Medal was quite big," she said.

 A couple teenagers did ask Jacob a few questions. 

"Who was your toughest competition?" they asked. "Sweden," he replied. 

"Next to the Gold medal, what was your favourite moment."

"The opening ceremony where I got to meet the other athletes," he replied.