Olympic medallist Lewis Davey's hero homecoming

Lewis Davey poses for a photo with families in Grantham during a walk around the town

Olympic medallist Lewis Davey returned to his hometown of Grantham where he was given a hero's welcome following his exploits in France earlier this month.

The 23 year old was part of the men's 4x400m relay team that won a bronze medal and set a new European record at Paris 2024.

Making the achievement even more remarkable is the fact that he was told only half an hour before the race that he was part of the team.

In a surprise organised by BBC Look North, Mr Davey caught up with his first PE teachers during a walk around the town, where he was also greeted by members of the public in an experience he described as "a bit of a shock".

Lewis Davey holds up the bronze medal he won at the Olympics in Paris.

Sam Reardon's withdrawal from the team opened the door for Davey, who had been a reserve for both the heats of the men's 4x400m as well as the heats and final of the mixed 4x400m relay.

Recalling the moment he was told he was racing, he said: "I went from being a proper chilled guy to all these nerves hitting me at once.

"As soon as I found out I was running, I quickly ran to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. I just had to get myself ready, and I said to myself: 'I need to do this'.

"It was an amazing opportunity for me to show what I can do on the big stage. I'm truly happy with how it turned out."

On a walk through Wyndham Park, the Team GB athlete was approached by plenty of people congratulating him on his success.

That support, he says, is something that he is extremely grateful for. He said: "People have been behind me since day one and they've always supported me.

"I've got a lot of time for the place."

Lewis Davey with former PE teachers, from left, Adam Cairns, Emma Gibbons and Rob Gough

'Follow your dream'

One child who approached Mr Davey in the park challenged the Olympian to a race, while another asked for his advice.

He was more than happy to oblige, replying: "If you've got a dream, don't give up on it.

"It's never plain sailing. You will come across many obstacles, just remember your goal and stick to it."

Clearly overwhelmed by the attention, he added that he had "never had anything like this before".

Former PE teachers Emma Gibbons, Adam Cairns and Rob Gough, of Priory Ruskin Academy, were also waiting to surprise their former pupil.

They all congratulated Mr Davey on his success.

Ms Gibbons said: "We couldn’t miss the opportunity to come and say hello. We watched you and I just can’t believe we’ve got an Olympian that used to go to our school.

"We talk about you all the time."

Mr Cairns explained that Lewis was a natural athlete and "did everything at school", adding that his speed meant he was often used as a striker in the football team.

Mr Davey's success will inspire plenty of young athletes in his home town looking to follow in his footsteps and, as Mr Gough explained, he will certainly be the talk of the town for months to come.

"You’ve sorted out our assemblies for the next few months anyway, Lewis, so thank you," he said.

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