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Joy for golden boy Hoy

Trevor Baxter
21/ 8/2008

SALFORD-based cyclist Chris Hoy matched the British record for a gold medal haul at the Olympics by racing to three gongs in Beijing.

The 32-year-old, who lives off Ordsall Lane, in Salford Quays, equalled the tally set by Oldham swimmer Henry Taylor in London in 1908.

The Real McHoy rounded off his hat-trick with gold in the individual sprint on Tuesday, to match his victories in the team sprint and the Keirin event.

Cycling’s modest history man said: "These medals have my name on them. But we’re all part of a big team. Our support staff is just unbelievable.

"You can see the rest of the world is envious. We’re no different to guys in Australia or Holland, but it’s what you do with the talent.

"However, I knew I was in the best form of my life and was doing the best training times of my life. When it all clicks in, it’s just an amazing feeling."

Hoy defeated Farnworth’s Jason Kenny in the sprint final.

And the 20-year-old paid tribute to the Edinburgh-born star, as he said: "Chris is probably the closest person there is to being unbeatable.

"Every time you do a PB in training, he then gets up and beats you.

"He probably has the best legs in the world for this event. He drags everyone up with him, so it’s really good for the team. Chris is strong, but I know he has the odd little weaknesses. I hoped I could do the best ride I could and hope it was enough to win."

Hoy will be proudly showing his medals off at the inaugural Salford Nocturne at the end of the month as part of what will be a celebratory homecoming. He added: "I’m looking forward to the Nocturne. It will be good not to be under the pressure I’ve had in Beijing."

Hoy will feature in a celebrity roller race competition at the Quays.

However, the likes of Team Pursuit gold medallist Geraint Thomas and former Olympian Rob Hayles will be riding competitively and will also get a hero’s welcome.

The event is free to the public. Full details on the Salford Nocturne can be found at www.salfordnocturne.com.

Hoy is tipped to carry on competing through to the 2012 Olympics in London and is likely to stay living in Salford as the British team will not be moving to the capital as had been suggested, they will remain at the Velodrome in east Manchester.

It wasn’t all good news for our athletes - Swinton judo star Michelle Rogers will consider her future after a disappointing return to Olympic action.

The 32-year-old, who competed in the Atlanta Games of 1996, lost in the first round to Korean Gyeongmi Jeong.

That put Rogers into a repecharge where she went down to reigning European champion Heide Wollert of Germany.

Salford Quays based rower Oliva Whitlam and Louisa Reeve finished sixth in the final of the Pairs.

Romania won gold in a time of 7:20.60 while 22-year-old Whitlam, a member of Agecroft Rowing Club, finished in 7:33.16