Olympic gymnast hopes to inspire next generation

A bronze Olympic medallist received a warm welcome home from inspired gymnasts.

Jake Jarman, 22, from Peterborough, was applauded on his return to Huntingdon Gymnastics Club, Cambridgeshire, after what he called the "best two weeks of my life".

The athlete said he accomplished what he wanted to do at the Olympic Games in Paris and hoped he would be a positive role model to the next generation.

He said that although he does not recall everything from the competition, he ed the moment he came third and won a medal for his floor routine.

"From the moment I walked into the Olympic village there wasn't an experience I disliked, although the food wasn't the best," said Jarman.

"I was amongst some of the best athletes in the world.

"I never thought I would end up in this position, as a role model. It's a big responsibility and I hope I can do a good job and inspire the next generation of athletes."

After being cheered into his home club by who were excited for his return, Jarman's coach Ben Howells, said the gymnast had achieved what he set out to do.

"It has been years of hard work and dedication... we mainly remained business as usual and we managed to keep our cool," Mr Howells said.

"He did an incredible job to hold his nerve and pull it off."

Sheila Jarman, Jarman's grandmother, added that she could watch him perform for hours and as a child he was always jumping around, but was "never naughty, and joy to have".

The Olympian, who also now has a gymnastics move named after him called The Jarman, said the Paris games had been the best two weeks of his life and made him excited for the next four years.

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