Golden confetti for Jason and Laura
9:48am Monday 3rd September 2012 in News
IT was party time in Bolton as the town celebrated the achievements of one of its own — golden boy Jason Kenny.
A nine-piece Brazilian samba band paid homage to the 2016 Rio Olympics, there were street performers and X Factor finalist and Bolton singer Laura White sang to the crowds.
But there was only one person they wanted to see — 24-year-old cycling sensation Jason, The 24-year-old looked shy as he walked down the Town Hall steps to the theme tune from Chariots of Fire to be greeted by an enthusiastic crowd and golden confetti rained down as he made his way to the front.
But his appreciation of their support was reflected in his smile as he looked over the huge crowd in Victoria Square holding his medals for all to see.
He relived his glorious victory in the men’s sprint as large screens in Victoria Square replayed his winning race against French cyclist Grégory Baugé.
Jason said: “It is the first time I have seen this,” before joking “I was cheering for myself.”
His girlfriend, Laura Trott, added: “Watching Jason made me really emotional, and my coach had to tell me to calm down. I couldn’t let him go home with two gold medals and not me.”
The chemistry between the couple was clear to see, with Jason joking that he had three gold medals and she had two.
They had earlier gone for a two-hour bike ride.
Being told he was one of the most famous sportsmen in the world, Jason modestly said: “It is news to me. At the Olympics you are in a bubble and to come home to this you really appreciate it.”
He said after the celebrations it was back to work training for the Rio Games as well as the forthcoming World Championship.
Former X Factor contestant Laura White sang We Are The Champions, with the crowd joining in, before flames shot out from either side of the Town Hall as more confetti rained down bringing to a close the public celebration for Jason’s achievements.
Cllr Chris Peacock, Cabinet member for Sport,Youth and Culture said: “So many people came out to see Jason and show him how proud we are of him.
“I know awesome is an over-used word, but it has been awesome in its purest description.
“I hope we are here again after the Rio Games.”
Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Guy Harkin added: “To win two gold medals is tremendous, and it shows young people, who are living in a difficult time, that through hard work and dedication they can get there.
“He is a beacon of hope for them.”
