Lewisham Olympic Medals at Paris 2024

I don't think there is an Olympic league table for London boroughs, but think we can claim at least four medals from Paris 2024 for Lewisham, which is more than many participating countries have managed. At least three medalists previously represented Lewisham in the London Youth Games.

Alex Yee won gold in the men's Triathlon with one of the most exciting finishes of the games, and also picked up a bronze medal in the Triathlon mixed relay. Alex grew up in Brockley Road and joined Kent Athletic Club, based at Ladywell Arena, as well as Crystal Palace Triathletes Club. He went to Stillness Primary School and Kingsdale secondary school. After previous success at Tokyo Olympics, his gold medal was painted on to the  Brockley train station mural by artist Lionel Stanhope. Now the mural has been repainted as Brockyee.

Alex Yee in 2021

photo from JanecandoSE4

Alex Yee flies ahead of the field, me included, at Hilly Fields parkrun in 2015

Daryll Neita was the fastest British woman at the Games, running 100m in 10.92 seconds and making top five in the 100m and 200m finals before bringing home a silver medal running a great last leg in the women's 4 x 100m relay. Daryll grew up in Ladywell and now lives in Lee. She went to Gordonbrock Primary School and Prendergast Hilly Fields secondary school. Neita's running careeer started out with SE London's Cambridge Harriers, training at Sutcliffe Park in Eltham as well as at Ladywell Arena.

Daryll recently bigged up Lee in the Standard, with her foodie highlights including  Luciano's on Burnt Ash Road, and a full English breakfast at the Lee Cafe.

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix won a bronze medal in the synchronised 10 meter platform diving. Andrea went to John Stainer Primary School in Brockley and Harris Academy Bermondsey secondary.

Were there any other Lewisham competitors? Certainly some other South Londoners, including Kye Whyte from Peckham BMX who had a crash in Paris and Ethan Hayter who won a cycling silver in the the men’s team pursuit. Hayter hails from West Norwood, and like Fred Wright who took part in Olympics road race, trained as a youngster at Herne Hill Velodrome (as has Alex Yee).

Well done all. Once again this shows the importance of local community sports facilities like Ladywell and Sutcliffe Park running tracks and Herne Hill Velodrome, as well as the volunteer run sports clubs that use them