By Natalee Webb

HOLLISTON, MAY 2026 – Young children proudly wearing their red, white, and blue, faces bright, anticipation heightened and clutching their parents’ hands; jubilantly entered Town Hall to meet real-life heroes. Holliston’s Sarah Baroud organized the event to recognize its Olympian residents, Bethany Hart Gerry, and Nicole Teter Downin. They and Newton’s Silver medalist Genevra “Gevvie” Stone were there to inspire them. 

Sarah met Bethany in Boston where they both worked in the healthcare industry. Not long after she learned that Nicole of running fame, lived in her neighborhood! Sarah got an idea, “I’ve got to highlight these incredible residents.” She needed another speaker and Gevvie agreed to join the panel. The plan for Holliston’s youth to make a meaningful connection with athletic greatness was underway - an avenue for the town’s tykes to unite with Olympians, hear their stories, and learn life lessons in achieving goals.

Track and Field star Bethany started her career as a hammer thrower, but her employer Joe Ronai endeared her to the sport of bobsledding. “With your power and strength, you would be great at pushing a sled!” With his help she qualified for the World Cup an international bobsledding event crucial for Olympic hopefuls. Bethany’s focus led her to Italy’s 2006 Olympics and the 2010 games in Vancouver. She suffered a devastating injury in Vancouver; a ruptured Achilles ending her Olympic ambitions. 

“The hardest obstacle in reaching goals is self-doubt.” she shared with the youngsters. Her toughest obstacle was the 20-30 weeks of training while being employed full-time with limited income and zero social life. But she beamed, “It was all worth it just to get there. My most joyous moment was walking into the stadium with the USA Olympic Team and elite athletes from around the world!” Bethany also inspired the children with “It is your grit, dedication, and perseverance that will drive you to your full potential.”

Nicole Downin is 3-time USA indoor champion (2002, 2003, and 2008), 2002 Outdoor champion and a two-time Olympian (2004 and 2008). As a teenager in 1991 she won the 800-meter race at the Junior National Championship and a silver medal at the Junior Pan American games. In 2002 she broke the Women’s Indoor 800-meter event formerly held by Mary Slaney for 22 years. 

An active Mom, when she is not attending to her teenaged offspring, she coaches boys’ track, is a marathon runner, and fitness trainer. Her advice to the kids, “As a coach my #1 rule is to have fun!” She continued, “Whatever you choose in life it should be for you not someone else. Keep yourself grounded and keep your goal in focus.”

The final speaker at this epic event was silver medalist, Gevvie Stone. Her Olympic aspirations are a family phenomenon. Both parents are USA National Team rowers. Mom Lisa Hansen scored bronze in double sculls at both the 1977 and 1978 games. She was Winsor School’s Head Rowing Coach, founded the Charles River Scullers, and is co-founder of the Boston Rowing Club. 

Dad Gregg did not reach the medal platform but was the top American men’s sculler in his day. He missed garnering a medal by 6/10ths of ONE SECOND! Now a senior, he won the Men’s Over-60 Veterans Singles at Boston’s Charles Regatta in 2013. He remains a fierce competitor and is a member of the Harvard Varsity Club. 

Gevvie Stone did not begin her Olympic career as a child and was termed a “bookworm.” She credits her competitive path from her education at Winsor High School where she learned to row but more importantly, learned the science behind it. That knowledge led to two illustrious careers.

Stone has a myriad of athletic accomplishments. She is a three-time Olympian in the sport of rowing. She placed 7th overall in London’s 2012 games and 5th in Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics. She achieved her Olympic goal in 2016 winning Silver at the Rio de Janeiro games. 

Gevvie faced difficult choices as she wrestled with her love for the game and her love of medicine. Being the champion that she is - she did both! Dr. Genevra Stone, MD is a Sports Medicine and Orthopedics doctor at CHA Healthcare in Cambridge. 

In 2025, Gevvie received the Martin William Souders Memorial Award given for outstanding athletic achievements, ideals, and leadership from a graduate of a New England Independent School. The Winsor School in Boston has been educating whiz-kids since 1886.

I was amazed when Gevvie offered her medallion to the audience. Something I never imagined holding, and that Olympic Silver? it was heavy - literally! It was an inspirational morning for these youths. Kudos to Sarah and the Olympians. Holliston just may have sprogs with Olympic intentions now!