Bristol business hosts watch party for Olympian with local roots
Brick Pizza Co. recently hosted friends and family of Nico Young, who recently competed in the 10K finals in Paris.
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Bristol business hosts watch party for Olympian with local roots
If you had any interest in watching the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Brick Pizza Co. Restaurant on Wood Street was the place to be last Friday afternoon, particularly for a group of Bristol residents, past and present, who either were related to or had a keen interest in 22-year-old runner Nico Young, who competed for the gold medal in the 10K finals.
Nico finished in 12th place with a time of 26:58:11.
For grandmother Shirley Martin, whose late husband, Ray Martin, was one of this town’s great athletes during the 1950s and ‘60s. it was a dream come true.
“Nico lives in California and he’s always worked so hard when it comes to running,” she offered. “I’m very proud of him. Although he came up a little short in the finals, I know he gave it everything he had. I know his grandfather would have been very proud of him. To go as far as he did is a dream come true.”
Inside the Brick Pizza Restaurant, everything was decorated red, white and blue, complete with a large screen TV where everyone had a ringside seat to view the proceedings. Even WJAR-TV Channel 10 showed up to cover the event.
Shirley’s daughter, Lynne, and husband Andrew (former Barrington High School grads) were in Paris to watch their son compete for the Gold Medal. Nico also has a set of 19-year-old twin brothers, Lex and Leo, who also figure to follow in their big brother’s footsteps.
“They’re an amazing family,” said Shirley, without bragging. “I know they’ll continue to work hard to reach their goals.”
Longtime Bristol resident Rene Cardoza and sister of Ray Martin was also present to watch Nico compete on TV.
“I’m excited for him,” she said. “I just wish my brother Ray was here to help cheer him on. I know he would have given the world to be there in Paris with him.”
The bottom line in all of this, even in defeat, Nico, and all those who came out in support of his efforts on this very special day in his life, were the real winners. They had the opportunity to cheer on a very special young man with enormous talent, who most certainly be heard from again in the future.
