GRAPEVINE — She's been in the spotlight for the last five weeks, and on Wednesday, Madison Kocian returned to North Texas an Olympic gold medalist.
"I think I missed my home the most," said Kocian, who lives in Dallas and flew into the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Following the Dallas native's performances in Rio, the gymnast now has fans all over the world.
But the dozens of fans waiting for her at the airport are the girls from her home gym. Many of them have similar ambitions.
Madison returns not only as an Olympic superstar but as a role model.
"My goal is to go to the Olympics in 2024," said 9-year-old gymnast Juliette Landi.
"Coming back home to these girls is very special to me," Kocian said.
"Not only is it the physical ability, but how she is as a person," said mother Anne Johnson. "She's very kind."
And she's patient. Before leaving with family, Kocian stopped to take a picture with nearly every one of her fans Wednesday.
"It was really cool," said 9-year-old Avery King.
Kocian, 19, plans to pursue gymnastics at UCLA. Right now, she's eager to get home to see her two dogs and to sleep in her own bed.