Can you hear that buzz in Branford, Conn.?
If you're a resident of the shoreline town then you sure can, because a sense of pride and excitement is permeating the pulse of the community as word spreads that a Branford native has won a Bronze Medal at the Olympics in Sochi.
His name is Alex Deibold, and his sport is snowboardcross (SBX).
"Wow. So that happened. Thank you to all the people who have supported me along the way, I wouldn't be here without you," Deibold wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday, after standing on the podium, medal around his neck, U.S. flag draped over his shoulders.
While many rooted for Deibold from local establishments on Tuesday, cheers and congratulations from fans and friends rolled in on his Facebook page, too. One wrote:
"I just watched your run on TV tonight and not only was impressed by your finess at your sport, but more so the way you handled your interview afterwards. I know your family must be so proud of your success and hard work. I hope you realize just what a wonderful role model you are to young people !! Congrats"
Deibold spent his childhood in Branford and then moved to Vermont. Today, he calls Boulder, Colo., home.
He was actually at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver — as a wax tech. Sochi was his Olympic debut as a member of Team USA, and it'll go down in history for Deibold ... and Branford.
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