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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A Special Olympics athlete brought home the 3 gold medals after the World Games competition in California.

Adam Maresh won gold medals for taking first place in the bench press, dead lift and one for total point for combined weight lifting.

Adam Maresh said he was a bit nervous lifting before the ESPN cameras and such a large audience in Los Angles. He said it was exciting to be able to win these three medals.

Maresh’s trainer Cindy Schopper said Adam trained for nearly 18 months getting ready for the World Games competition. Adam trained at the Valley City Rec Center.

Schopper said it was a great experience and exciting to have someone locally due so well at the World Competition.

Adam’s father Robert (Bob) Maresh told reporters that he was very proud of his son’s accomplishment. He said he did an awesome job. He said it’s quite an honor for Adam and the whole family.

A parade of Adam Maresh fans lined up at the Interstate 94 exit east of Valley City for a surprise greeting. Some twenty vehicles including law enforcement and emergency personal escorted Maresh to the Open Door Center lobby for a reception and congratulations party.

More than 7,000 athletes from 177 countries including 391 Americans competed in the World Games Competition. There were more than 8,000 volunteers for the games.

Below are photos of the community cheering on Adam Maresh as he arrives back home to Valley City on Monday, August 3.