Olympic bronze medallist Akeem Haynes arrives in Yellowknife today

A former Yellowknifer is visiting the city this week with his new prize possession — a bronze medal from the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Akeem Haynes, who lived in Yellowknife from 1998-2004 and went to Weledeh Catholic School, will arrive at 9:25 Monday morning for the first time since winning the medal for the men's 4x100 relay at the Olympics a month ago.

"I can't wait," said Haynes's mother Carlene Smith, who still lives in Yellowknife.

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Haynes was the lead runner of his relay team, which included teammates Aaron Brown, Brendon Rodney and Andre De Grasse.

The Canadians initially finished fourth in the race, coming in close behind Jamaica, the U.S. and Japan.

But soon after the places were announced — and the Canadian team showed disappointment in an interview with CBC's Scott Oake in Rio — the U.S. team was disqualified because of an illegal baton exchange. 

That meant Haynes and his teammates moved up to third place, and would be going home with bronze medals.

"I don't know, man, that's crazy," Haynes said at the time with a beaming grin.

Airport greeting

Haynes, who lives in Calgary, arrived in the city not long after the win, greeted by many new fans.

Smith hopes the same treatment will be shown in Yellowknife.

"I know my family is going to be there, a few friends, the kids," she said. 

Smith says she wants the crowd at the airport to be a surprise; her son has never gotten a welcome like this in Yellowknife.

She says it will be topped with congratulatory poster boards made by Haynes's younger brother and sister.

Visits at Yellowknife schools

Along with visiting family and friends in the city this week, Smith says Haynes plans on visiting schools too, starting with J. H. Sissons School Monday morning.

Smith says her son will talk about pursuing his goals and the importance of education.

She says he enjoyed talking to young athletes even before he was a bronze medallist.

"He likes to give back. He likes to do his part. That's who he is," Smith said.

Smith says students will also get a chance to see Haynes's medal, but says she's first in line.

"Thank God I'm going to see one before I die," Smith laughed.