Olympian part of Peachfest

Photo: Facebook

Summerland's Justin Kripps, who is fresh off of winning an Olympic gold medal in bobsled earlier this year, will be a part of the Penticton Peach Festival in several facets this summer.

Kripps will be involved in the opening ceremonies on August 8 and will be signing autographs that day at Okanagan Lake Park. He'll also be leading the Peter's Bros grand parade on August 11.

The 31-year-old was born in Hawaii but grew up in Summerland, and said he attended Peachfest "all the time" as a kid, and comes back constantly for the event as an adult.

“I remember as a kid it was so fun because there were all these people in town and so much energy. It was a big deal when I was a kid and I still feel that way when I check it out as an adult," Kripps said.

Kripps and Ontario's Alex Kopacz tied for gold in two-man bobsled in PyeongChang — Kripps' first medal in his third Olympic appearance.

“We are so proud of all of our Olympic athletes from the Okanagan and happy to have Justin share his gold medal with everyone at the Penticton Peach Festival,” Peachfest president Don Kendall said.

Kripps shared his gold medal with students at schools in Summerland recently, and said being able to do that came "full circle" for him.

"I remember being in a class and being so inspired when we had Olympian Curt Harnett speak to us when I was young,” he said.

The 71st Peachfest takes place from August 8 to 12 this summer.