Lauren Price: 'Insane' welcome for Olympic gold medallist

Hundreds of people have lined the streets as Olympic gold medallist Lauren Price returned to her hometown.

The middleweight boxing champion was given a hero's welcome on her return to Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly county, where she was raised by grandparents Linda and Derek.

Price said the public support had been "insane" after her success in the Tokyo games.

"I honestly didn't imagine coming home to this," she said.

"I didn't expect this many people."

Lauren was raised by her grandparents Linda and Derek

Price, who won four kickboxing world titles as a teenager and played football for Wales before taking up boxing, added: "Even though I'm [with team] GB, I'm always representing Wales and the support has just been unreal.

"Thank you so much for coming out to see me and supporting me - it means the world."

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Price also paid tribute to the role her grandparents played in her life after an emotional reunion with her grandmother.

There were plenty of youngsters waiting to get a photo with the Olympic gold medallist

Lauren played tribute to her grandmother and late grandfather for their role in her life

"She was ringing me on the way home and she got me filling up then," Price said.

"I've been away from her for six weeks so to come back home to her has been amazing.

"If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have achieved my dream.

"Her and my grandad have supported me since I was three days old and I can't thank them enough."

Price's grandfather Derek died in November 2020.

At the scene, BBC Wales reporter Nelli Bird

Lauren Price and her grandmother (centre) hugged after a long six weeks apart

It wasn't your usual lunchtime in Ystrad Mynach and the Olympic champion was clearly overwhelmed.

It wasn't a planned homecoming event and spread by word of mouth on social media.

By the time Lauren got home, hundreds were out lining the streets, cheering on the local girl who achieved her dream.

There were flags, balloons and children cheering. Everyone wanted a picture with their hero and she stayed to speak to anyone who was waiting.

The real emotion came when Lauren saw her nan, Linda, for the first time in weeks. The family ran to the car and hugged.

It was an incredible end to a crazy few weeks for Lauren Price.

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