Celebrating achievement of Harrogate’s Games stars

The Mayor of Harrogate Coun Jim Clark with Jack Laugher, Jenny Duncalf, Oliver Dingley and the Mayoress of Harrogate Coun Shirley Fawcett (s).

Our district’s Commonwealth Games stars appeared together as their world-beating efforts were officially celebrated in Harrogate.

Swashbuckling divers Jack Laugher and Oliver Dingley joined squash hero Jenny Duncalf at a civic reception, hosted by the Mayor of Harrogate, Coun Jim Clark.

Swimming sensation Sophie Taylor was unable to attend due to her elite swimming training commitments.

Coun Clark said: “I would like to congratulate these young people for their sporting achievements and it is a real pleasure to hold this event in their honour.

“To reach the level that they have attained takes great dedication and commitment and they really must be commended.They are true ambassadors for their chosen sports and are role models for a whole generation of younger sports people who dream of one day emulating their success.”

The 2014 Commonwealth Games took place in Glasgow in July and August, and saw nearly 5,000 athletes from the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth compete in 17 different sports.

Jack Laugher, from Littlethorpe, near Ripon won gold medals in the 1 metre springboard diving and 3 metre springboard synchronised diving, and also took away silver in the 3 metre springboard.

Harrogate’s Oliver Dingley took bronze in the 3 metre springboard diving.

Harrogate squash player Jenny Duncalf, won silver in the women’s doubles.

Swimmer Sophie Taylor from Harrogate achieved gold in the 100m breaststroke and silver in 4x100m medley relay.