The Paris Olympic Games has been a massive success for Worcestershire, with several athletes hailing from the county delivering outstanding performances and making their mark on the global stage!

The county's first Olympic medal came from Matt Richards former member of the Droitwich Dolphins swimming club won Silver in the 200m freestyle, as well as an additional gold medal in the men's 200m freestyle relay alongside teammates James Guy, Tom Dean and Duncan Scott. The swimming club was named West Midlands Club of the Year by Swim England in 2022 and has produced other Olympic Athletes such as Paralympian Rebecca Redfern, who brought home silvers from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and gold in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The club which is situated on the outskirts of leafy Droitwich is located off Junction 5 on the M5 and follows the A38.

University of Worcester alumni Matthew Hudson-Smith won the Olympic silver medal in the men's 200m in the fifth-fastest on record! Hudson-Smith trains at Birchfield Harriers which is only an hour's drive away from Worcester on the M5, making it a great facility for up-and-coming athletes as well renowned for producing Olympic champions such as Dame Denise Lewis.

A huge congratulations to our other Worcestershire Olympians Evie Richards from Malvern Hills who came 5th in the Women's mountain biking, Jake Shekells who was part of the Women's Rugby Severns and Evesham's Rose Harvey who took part in the marathon the final event of the games.

Worcestershire is bursting with incredible athletes and world-class facilities, which provide a platform for new talents to flourish. The recent success at the Paris Olympics is one of many reasons why the county should be proud of its sporting capabilities and close links to the Alexandra Stadium in Birmingham host to the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

If you're looking at investing in the Olympians of tomorrow or visiting one of the county's amazing sports facilities please visit the Active Hereford and Worcestershire website.

Photo credit: Danny Lawson/PA