ZAC Purchase started his rowing career in Worcestershire on the river Severn as a member of Upton-upon-Severn rowing club in 1997.

Angus McLeod, chairman of Upton Rowing Club, called him one of the “finest scullers in the world” and hoped the club would eventually name a boat after the Olympian.

“We are proud to have an association with Zac and to have helped his original interest in the sport,” said Dr McLeod.

“Zac is a great model for competitive sculling with a set of aptitudes and physical gifts that make him one of the finest scullers in the world today. It is an absolutely fabulous and wonderful result – he has had a fantastic couple of years.”

As a pupil at the King’s School in Worcester he started as a cox before stepping into the hot seat when he was 15 years old.

His then coach Nick Maloney said: “I definitely saw his potential. He was such a good athlete and had such a good mentality towards training. He is very single minded.”

Mr Maloney said even then Purchase spoke of his dream to compete in the Olympics and staff there made sure they did everything possible to help.

Headmaster Tim Keyes remembers Purchase as a focused student and talented rower.

“He was very humble about his achievements and encouraging of other rowers,” Mr Keyes said.

“He was always a quiet one, but always very focused and, in a nice way, self-confident.”

In 2001 Purchase joined Evesham Rowing Club and was made an honorary life member in 2006 when he was invited to officially open the club’s new facilities.

Chairman John Lomas remembers the 22-year-old fondly. “He came to present the medals at a junior competition in 2006 and was brilliant with the younger ones,” he said.

“He is a tremendous guy. I am just about to send him a letter of congratulations.

“He is the first member to win an olympic medal and I am sure we will be asking him back to name a boat.”

During that Evesham Regatta, Purchase jumped into a boat with 13-year-old rower Lawrence Sullivan and took part in a race.

Lawrence, now aged 15, of Cleve Prior, was among those glued to the television yesterday morning.

“He was quite fast,” said Lawrence. “I was setting the stroke and he was just putting in the power.

“We beat my big brother and his friend.

“It would be good if I could follow in Zac’s footsteps. Before I was not that serious but after rowing with him I think it would be fun.”

Lawrence’s message to Purchase was: “Well done doubles partner, good job”.

On his official website, Purchase, who now lives in Reading, says: “From sailing to water skiing, swimming to kayaking, ever since I can remember I have been doing something energetic.”

He first started competing in sport at the age of seven as a swimmer.

When he was 10 he started sailing and then turned his hand to rowing.