TAMESIDE’S Olympic gold medallist Georgia Taylor-Brown has won another major honour – an MBE.
The Droylsden triathlete has been recognised in the New Year’s List after her achievements in Tokyo.
Not bad for someone who started their journey by running along the canal bank in her hometown on her way to cycling training.
And her first memory was just wanting to beat the boys in swimming lessons at Audenshaw’s Aldwyn Primary School, where her nephew attends.
Georgia’s honour has come after she won gold in the triathlon mixed relay, to add to the silver medal from the women’s individual event.
Speaking to The Correspondent after her Tokyo triumphs, which were under threat when she suffered a leg stress fracture only 11 weeks before the Olympics, Georgia will have three more letters to bring home with her.
The 27-year-old, who now lives in Leeds, said: “I used to pop home quite regularly before Covid but haven’t been able to since the beginning of last year.
“I enjoy a nice little run along the canal and I really love going to the mountain bike track by the Manchester Velodrome – it’s so much more fun than being on the road.
“I don’t think the silver medal added any pressure. I was just really excited.
“I was just happy to be back at the race site and ready to go and we all want to inspire. Hopefully we can do that for the next generation.
“And I definitely remember being better than all of the boys at swimming lessons and very competitive on sports day!”
Georgia’s then teacher Caroline Charnock is now Aldwyn’s headteacher and she recalled the medals and certificates she won as a child laying the platform.
Caroline said: “What I loved most of all was Georgia’s positive attitude when interviewed.
“It demonstrated that she competes with intelligence, determination and above all, the love for her sport and the fun she has with her team-mates.
“The way she was congratulated by her fellow competitors showed us that her achievement was being celebrated not only as an Olympian but as a valued member of Team GB.
“Little did we know when we awarded Georgia numerous certificates and medals rewarding her sporting achievements in assembly that we were recognising the great strides Georgia was taking towards becoming an Olympian.
“We did know, however, that her attitude to learning and friendships would contribute to a successful career.”