‘MORE EMOTIONAL THAN FINISH IN RIO’

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THE FOREST’S Paralympics golden boy, Andy Lewis, told the thousands of home town fans who turned out to greet him that the reception was “more emotional than crossing the finishing line in Rio.”

There were scenes on Saturday afternoon unlike anything anyone can remember in the centre of Lydney as thousands of people lined the streets to welcome home the gold medal-winning triathlete from the Rio Paralympics.

Speaking to the crowds who thronged Bathurst Park, Andy said: “It means so much to me, eveyone coming out today.

“Coming up through Lydney made me quite emotional – I felt more emotional than I did when I crossed the finishing line in Rio. It was unbelievable.”

Andy received a hero’s welcome at Regents­holme where he took to the pitch before Lydney RFC’s game with Bournemouth.

He then made the short trip to Hams Road where he boarded an open-top 1958 Leyland bus provided by a local bus company.

Andy cut a golden ribbon on the bandstand before taking a selfie with the huge crowd behind him.

Among them was Louie Palmer, who celebrated her 95th birthday on Saturday, and who was delighted to hold the gold medal.

She said: “That’s made my day – I’m 95 today and I’ve not had anything more special than that.”

Andy said he hopes his Rio triumph – which added to the European and world championships – inspires others.

He said: “I just want to say to every single one of you: thanks for coming out today, thanks for supporting me. This means everything to me.

“I’ve worked so hard for this. My family has made sacrifices – we’ve not had a holiday for the last four years.

“Every single one of you has played a part in this. I hope it inspires people to get up and be active.

“I’m in Lydney if anyone has any questions or wants to get into sport.

“I’m a Lydneyite, I was born here, I was bred here and I’m proud to be from Lydney.”

The homecoming was organised by Lydney Town Council with Andy’s family and town mayor Bob Berryman also praised the 33-year-old for helping another local triathlete.

He said: “ Andy, you’re European, world and Olympic champion which is unbelievable.

“I watched him train at Bathurst Pool and absolutely admired his commitment and dedication to the sport.

“He still found time to give advice and coach a young aspiring female triathlete from Lydney, even in the week. Well done Andy you’ve done Lydney proud, you are Lydney through and through.”

Cllr Berryman, a trustee at the open-air pool said: “We hope at Bathurst Pool we helped you on your way.”

Free cake was provided by the Bathurst Park café, The Coffee House, and there was music by the Lydney Town Band as Andy signed hundreds of photos for fans of him crossing the line.

See centre pages for more pictures.