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Fonoi returns to old home, new, golden life in Hermosa
by John Tawa
Hermosa
Beach resident Eric Fonoimoana touched down in Los Angeles Friday morning, gold
medal in beach volleyball from the Sydney Olympic Games around his neck, contemplating
whether his life would be forever altered.
A slew of well wishers, journalists and photographers greeted him and partner Dain Blanton as they emerged from the gate and Fonoi knew the answer. There'd no such thing as a return to normal.
"Life's been good," he said at the Hermosa Beach Pier Wednesday morning, his sixth full day back from Sydney. "I've just been real busy hanging out with friends and family. We've been doing a lot of media.
"But we're taking it in stride. Dain and I are just excited to be home, to share people's stories and what they have to say about our accomplishments and how they feel. They've been the best stories that anybody could hear."
Fonoi also is turning his attention to Dig for Kids, the non-profit foundation he founded in March to introduce less fortunate children to the sport of volleyball and promote excellence in youth sports and academics.
"Dig
for Kids is going to be a huge part of my life," Fonoi said, before departing
for an appearance at Hermosa Valley School and a Dig for Kids sponsored clinic
in the City of Carson.
With gold medal in hand, he turned and walked towards his car. Fifteen minutes later, after posing for five pictures, showing off his medal a half-dozen times and getting an ovation from diners at Hennessey's, he was off. ER