Canadian Olympians thrilled to have family and friends in Paris after pandemic Games

When Canadian weightlifter Maude Charron competes for a second Olympic gold medal in Paris, she'll be doing it in front of a large cheering section including her parents, siblings, training mates, former coaches and friends.

That's in contrast to the 2021 Tokyo Games, when athletes competed in front of mostly empty stands due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Charron said she felt a feeling of "emptiness" in Tokyo, despite the magic of what she called a "perfect result." This time around, she said it's all about getting to experience the Games with some two-dozen family and friends.

"I have my medal in Tokyo," she said. "Now I'll be able to have my people there. As long as I have my picture with everyone and the [Olympic] rings, I can put it on my wall at home and that will be my medal."

After the silent arenas and empty stands dampened the experience in Tokyo, several Canadian athletes said they're thrilled for a return to competing in front packed stands full of friends and family.

Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, a member of the Tokyo gold medal-winning women's eight rowing team, said she'd always pictured being able to celebrate an Olympic win by hugging her family.

"I've always wanted that moment and we didn't get it [in Tokyo]," she said. "No matter the result, being able to have that moment will make it 100 per cent worth it for me."

Sarah Mitton, a medal favourite in shot put, said Paris will be the first time her mother will see her compete in person. Growing up in Brooklyn, N.S., Mitton said her mother worked six or seven days a week and made many sacrifices for her and her brother.

Paris, she said, is "the first time that we've actually been in a financial position to do it and that it's even an opportunity," adding "I'm so