DROITWICH Olympic gold and silver medal-winning swimmer Matt Richards received a 'really special' hero's welcome as he returned to his home town from the Paris Games.
Richards was met with rapturous applause by hundreds of neighbours and fans as he drove back to his family home on Goldcrest Way this morning (Saturday, August 10).
The 21-year-old enjoyed a hug with his loved ones before bringing the gold and silver medals he won at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to show the crowd.
Richards is fresh from winning silver in the men's 200m freestyle and gold in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay.
Richards posed for pictures with fans, signed autographs and allowed them to hold his medals.
His excited family had wrapped much of their home in bunting as well as the union and Olympic flags.
On the green opposite the home, more bunting and a sign saying 'Welcome Home Matt Richards- Paris 2024 Olympics silver and gold' greeted the local superstar.
Richards told the Worcester News it was 'really special' when he saw the greeting he had received.
"It's a really touching and humbling thing when you see just how many people are here to support you, it really does mean the world meeting all the kids enjoying the sport I love so much.
"When you are in the Olympic village it is all about performance and you forget just how many people are back home cheering you on.
"It was great to see my family again, without them I wouldn't be where I am, they have shaped who I am as a person and my medals are just as much theirs as they are mine."
After a day playing golf, Richards is going out for a meal tonight with his family to celebrate his success before he goes on into Worcester for a few drinks with some friends.
Richards added it was surreal hearing so many young swimmers call him their hero but added he wants to inspire the next generation to get into the water and ensure they learn how to be safe while swimming.
The exciting summer continues for Richards, who is getting married to his fiancé Emily in less than two weeks.
His grandmother Meg said she was buzzing to see him for the first time in a few months.
She added: "I was absolutely delighted when he won his medals, it was a wonderful swim, he's loved swimming from a young age and at nine he said he was going to win gold at the Olympics and we're so proud he's done that."
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