Golden boy Jamie honoured for Olympic heroics

Jamie Kelly

Swimmer Jamie Kelly took afternoon tea with the Mayor and Mayoress to celebrate his incredible haul of four gold medals in last month’s Special Olympics in Puerto Rico.

The 23-year-old, from Newbold, was one of the stars of the event which is held for people with learning difficulties.

Cheered on by proud grandparents Pat and Peter, Jamie triumphed in the 400m freestyle; 200 breaststroke; 100m individual medley and 100m relay.

His successes were just the latest in a remarkable career that has seen him win 217 medals in national and international competitions over the last five years.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside, said: “The borough can be very proud of Jamie’s achievements which serve as an inspiration to us all. This has been a wonderful Olympic year and his tremendous performances in Puerto Rico were the perfect way to round it off."