Send-off party for WNY Olympian Jenn Suhr

As the Olympic Games began Friday night, championship pole vaulter Jenn Suhr attended a send-off party at (716) Food and Sport restaurant.

An estimated three billion people were expected to watch the opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, but Fredonia-native Jenn Suhr chose to stay in Western New York, her home, and celebrate with friends, family, and fans.

Several fans lined up for a photo and autograph with the pole vault champion at her send-off party at 716 Food and Sport restaurant. In fact, Suhr has never been to an opening or closing ceremony, as she enjoys summer in Western New York too much. 

Even though she's nervous, Jenn said she is going into it knowing she's prepared.

"I'm going into this meet full speed," said Suhr. "I've won a silver, I've won a gold, and coming into this I want to give everything. I'm going to put it out there but I'm not at the part of my career where I'm holding on. I'm getting stronger. It's important to me to let people know that whatever happens here, I've got another four."

WNY pole vaulter for #Rio2016 #OlympicGames , @JennSuhr tells us she's very excited to head there. More @ 11 @WKBW pic.twitter.com/DTtJCB0OGV

— Paola Suro (@PaolaSNews) August 6, 2016

Suhr received a silver medal during the Beijing Games in 2008 and a gold one during the London Games in 2012.

She is heading to Rio on Monday, giving her a week to prepare for the August 16th pole vault competition. She also says she will not retire anytime soon and hopes to participate in the Tokyo games in 2020.