Olympic medalist Ryan Held thanks Springfield supporters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Olympic gold medalist Ryan Held has returned to the central Illinois YMCA where he got his start as a swimmer.

The State Journal-Register in Springfield reports (http://bit.ly/2bZPvrk) the 21-year-old Held got a warm welcome Saturday at the Springfield YMCA. More than 500 fans cheered Held celebrating his win last month at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Held wore his gold medal. He told the crowd their enthusiasm helped him swim "just a little bit harder."

Held was part of the team that won the 4x100-meter freestyle relay at the games.

His tearful response during the medal ceremony was a memorable moment. Held said Saturday he was thinking of all the people who had supported him and that the symbolism of the American flag added to his emotions.

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Information from: The State Journal-Register, http://www.sj-r.com