Olympic success for Hertfordshire athletes!

Thursday, 11 August 2016 16:03

Matt Whitlock, Bronze Olympic medal winner in the Men's All-around Gymnastics competition

Britain’s hugely successful day at the Olympics in Rio on Wednesday was thanks in no small part to athletes with strong links to Hertfordshire.

Joe Clarke, who trains at the Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross, won gold in Kayak K1 Class; Max Whitlock, from Hemel Hempstead, won bronze and became Britain's first Olympic medal winner in the Men's all-around Gymnastics competition for 108 years; and Steven Scott, who trains at Nuthampstead Shooting Club, won bronze in the Men's Double Trap Shooting.

Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Localism and Libraries at Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Lifestyle and Legacy Partnership (HLLP), congratulated the athletes.

She said: “Well done to Joe, Max and Steve on their wonderful achievements, which are testament to their hard work and dedication. We’re very proud to see Hertfordshire’s athletes making such a huge contribution to Britain’s success on the biggest sporting stage of all.”

Joe Clarke, Gold Olympic medal winner in Kayak K1 Class

Following the London Olympics in 2012, Hertfordshire County Council established the HLLP, which aims to bring partners together from across the county to promote healthy and active lifestyles by attracting funding and encouraging volunteering in sport, physical activity, recreation and culture.

Steven Scott, Bronze Olympic medal winner in the Men's Double Trap Shooting

Since its establishment HLLP has contributed to a number of successes including:
• Sport England awarding £500,000 for the “Healthy and Active in Herts” programme
• A thriving Youth Activity Music and Arts Festival (YAMA)
• Hertfordshire hosting a stage of the Friends Life Women’s Cycling Tour
• Continued support for the Herts Learning Disability Games
• Increased participation in cycling and walking. For example, nearly 50,000 people took part in the health walks organised by our Countryside Management Service in 2015/16.

(Source: Hertfordshire County Council)

More from Local Vibes: News

The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (21st - 26th April 2024)

Video

Reality TV and high dramas are leading the way in keeping us entertained from today! With new dating formats, musical legends and bargain holidays on the schedule, you can’t miss my top five this week…
Pop up exhibit to showcase outsider artist’s work for the first time

For the first time in over 30 years, the public will be able to see the artworks of Nick Fraser, a pioneer of the outsider art style.
NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (14th - 19th April 2024)

Video

From the longest ever episode of a childhood classic to a new member of the team, this week brings a whole range of fun filled viewing. It seems the sunshine has brought a sense of pure entertainment from the looks of my top five things to see over the next few days…
Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.
Cancer support charity launches new online wellbeing tool

Cancer Compass is a free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and find the right support.