Peter Kennaugh: 'Gold medal changed my life'

Peter Kennaugh has said his life has "changed massively" since winning a gold medal at the Olympics.

The 23-year-old from Onchan was part of the the British men's cycling pursuit team which won gold in a world record time at the London Velodrome.

"Life has changed massively since the medal. No one really knew who I was before the Olympics - I was just another rider on Team Sky," he said.

His achievement was recognised with a golden postbox in his home town.

Kennaugh spoke on Friday to children at Peel Clothworkers' school about his Olympic experience.

'Pretty chilled out'

His win came 100 years on from the island's last Olympic gold won by Sulby-born Sidney Swann at the 1912 games.

He said: "Life was pretty chilled out before the Olympics, but that's all changed now. It's a constant bombardment of emails and invitations."

Kennaugh won his medal as part of a quartet including Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas and Steven Burke.

He continued: "The other guys in the team are from all over the UK so maybe their achievement was slightly overlooked.

"The Isle of Man is a small place and it has been incredible the response and good wishes I have received from people.

"I have definitely been busy but I guess that is what comes with the medal.

"It's hard work to fit it all in but it is always worth it - it means a lot to me."

Kennaugh began his racing career at the age of six, taking part in BMX events in the Isle of Man.