Welcome Celebration For Southington Olympian Set For Friday

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The recently completed 2026 Winter Olympics Games in Italy provided the nation with two weeks of memories.

But for one Southington resident, it provided memories that will last a lifetime.

Andon Friday, Feb. 27, state Rep. Chris Poulos, D-Southington, will host a homecoming celebration for Southington native and Olympic skeleton racer Austin Florian.

The event will be held at Mount Southington, 396 Mount Vernon Road in Plantsville, at 6 p.m.

It is being organized by Poulos in cooperation with the ski area where Florian began competing as a member of its ski team.

A skeleton is a fast sled that is run down the same course as the bobsled and the luge. But instead of riding on your back, feet-first as in luge, in skeleton, you ride on your stomach, head first.

At the recently completed Olympics, Florian placed seventh in the mixed-team skeleton event alongside his partner, Ro Mystique.

In the mixed-team format, one male and one female athlete take separate runs down the track, with their combined times determining the final standings.

In the individual men’s skeleton competition, Florian finished 12th overall and was the top American in the field.

Poulos said the gathering will honor Florian’s achievements on the world stage and recognize his “dedication, perseverance, and work ethic” in the sport of skeleton racing.

Florian will display his Olympic helmet, speed suit, and bib, and will take photos and sign autographs for attendees, including local youth ski racers.

Former coaches, state officials, and Florian’s family, friends, and community supporters are expected to attend.

From Feb. 5: 'Southington Man Representing Team USA At Winter Olympics'

For more information on Southington native Austin Florian, click on this link.

For the Winter Olympics' skeleton schedule and results, click on this link.