Erika Fairweather has returned to fuss and fanfare at Dunedin Airport this morning, with locals turning out in full force to welcome home New Zealand's first ever swimming world champion.
Fairweather was greeted by members of her former school, friends, family and local media, but of all the people to be there, the most excited of all of them would have to be Fairweather's dog.
Fairweather was so overjoyed to reunite with Patrick, the bearded collie, she had to momentarily pause her interview with 1News.
"I'm so sorry, I've just seen my dog in the background," she said before giving Patrick a big hug.
It's been a long four weeks since Fairweather last saw her fur baby. But it's fair to say she has been achieving some awesome things on the world stage.
Fairweather won her world title in the women's 400-metre freestyle, bagged a full set of World Championship medals, and also qualified for the Paris Olympics in all three of her individual events, as well as the women's 4x200-metre freestyle relay.
You'd think after 17 hours of travel back from Doha, Fairweather would be bathing in all her success, but she revealed to 1News her coach Lars Humer had her back in the pool that very same day.
That's not the only thing on her agenda for her first day back.
"I actually have an exam this morning as well so, it's a busy day."
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