MERRILLVILLE | As the father of Olympic medalist and Merrillville graduate David Neville III walked into the cafeteria at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus, he showed a smile that hasn't left his face since his son competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials.

David Neville Jr., the manager of mission services and spiritual care at Methodist Hospitals, was met with loud applause Thursday as he celebrated his son's accomplishments with Methodist employees and visitors.

Neville, who watched his son, 24, win a bronze medal in the 400-meter race and a gold medal in the 1,600-meter relay in Beijing, posted a banner with pictures of his son competing at the Olympics and also displayed a slideshow of his trip on a computer.

"We have a lot to remember this all by," Neville said.

The hospital also gave Neville framed Times newspaper articles about his son's Olympic journey and the local reaction to his success.

"They surprised me with that," Neville said, "We'll make a place to hang them up."

Many walked up to Neville, giving him a hug or shaking his hand while they congratulated him. Some hospital visitors snagged a few pictures on their cell phones while at the event.

Neville told those at the hospital that his son returned to the United States Wednesday after competing in track events in Europe.

"He's finished for the season," Neville said.

He said his son hasn't yet made it back to Northwest Indiana, but he plans to have a barbecue for David when he does return.

Neville also said his son is planning to compete in the 2012 Olympics, but he isn't the only person in the family who wants to compete in the games.

Neville's daughter Rebecca, 16, is a track star at Merrillville High School who wants to join her brother in the 2012 London games.

"She doesn't want her big brother to outdo her," Neville said.