Proud of Radcliffe’s gold medal swimmer James Guy

Council leaders have paid tribute to Radcliffe swimmer James Guy for his outstanding success in the recent FINA Aquatics World Championships.

James won the British swimming team’s first medal in Kazan, Russia and started what was to be the country’s most successful ever world level campaign.

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of the council, told Wednesday’s meeting: “He swam a well-timed 400m Freestyle to secure silver and his first world medal, and he then won his first gold of the competition in the 200m Freestyle when he went up against Olympic champion Sun Yang, world record holder Paul Biedermann and multi-Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte.

“James didn’t stop there - he also anchored the men’s 4x200m Freestyle relay to gold as they stole the title from the US who have been champions for more than ten years. This is an absolutely fabulous achievement and I will be joining the Mayor in writing to James to congratulate him on his achievements.”

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Stella Smith, said: “To become the first British man to win a gold medal in the 200m freestyle is an outstanding achievement, and is fitting testimony to James’s ability and dedication.

“It does the borough proud, and I know that many people here were thrilled to see ‘one of ours’ do so well in such a prestigious international sporting event.

“I offer James my warmest congratulations and wish him the very best in all his future endeavours.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 15 September 2015.