(by Eric McCarthy)
O’LEARY – Emily Gray’s first curling coach remembers her talkative nature, her desire to improve and her volunteer spirit.
John Martin said it was only a year or so after she started curling, about 12 years ago, that Emily Gray started asking to help with the after-school curling program. He said he held back until he thought she was old enough.
John Martin, Emily Gray’s very first curling coach, puts Gray’s bronze medal to the test during a reception for the Junior Olympian at the Maple Leaf Curling Club Thursday night. (Photo by Eric McCarthy/Journal Pioneer)
Martin said during a reception this evening in the Winter Youth Olympic bronze medalist curler’s honour that her community involvement, including her help around the curling club, surely played a role in her selection to the Olympic team – that and her curling ability.