COUNCIL leader Millie Earl has paid tribute to the conurbation’s Olympic heroes following a much 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. 

Cllr Earl: “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.” 

Richard Herrett, cabinet member for leisure, added: “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.”