Published on Friday 23 August 2024
Pictured: Bryony Page, who trained at Poole Gymnastics and Trampolining Club, took home gold in the women’s trampolining. Picture taken at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has paid tribute to local Olympic heroes following their stunning medal success in Paris.
Bryony Page, who trained at Poole Gymnastics and Trampolining Club, took home gold in the women’s trampolining.
Ellie Aldridge from Poole became the first ever Olympic gold medallist for kitesurfing.
Emma Wilson from Christchurch was awarded a bronze medal for windsurfing and Matt Aldridge from Christchurch was part of the men's four crew rowing team which took home bronze.
Team GB scooped 65 medals in total, 14 of which were gold, finishing seventh in the medal table at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The BCP area alone would have finished 39th in the medals table, ahead of countries including South Africa, Jamaica, Portugal and Poland.
With the Paralympics starting in Paris on Wednesday 28 August, we may see even more local sporting success this summer.
Plans are now being discussed to arrange a formal celebration of our athletes' Olympic and Paralympic achievements following the Paralympic Games.
Congratulating the Olympians, BCP Council Leader Cllr Millie Earl said:
“We are so proud to have four Olympians from the BCP area bringing home medals from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games!
"I want to say a big thank you to these athletes for making our community proud and being fantastic role models to young people in our local area – you have inspired so many to participate in sport and show what can be achieved through determination, hard work and passion.
“Through your sport you’ve also shown how countries can come together and compete in the spirit of friendship and respect, reminding us of the value of peace in our communities.”
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations said:
“Making the Olympics or Paralympics in itself is a huge achievement. Our local athletes highlight the benefits of being physically active and participating in sport. Besides being fun and enjoyable, sport helps with personal development such as determination, resilience, respect, and valuable life skills such as the importance of practice, preparation, setting goals and working toward achieving them.
“We also need to recognise the incredible teams and coaches who have supported these athletes on their journey to success and our local clubs that have facilitated their training.”