Freedom of the Borough for Rugby's Olympic heroes

Rugby Borough Council meets on Wednesday (25 September) to consider a cabinet recommendation to celebrate the Olympic achievements of Lauren Henry, Kimberley Woods and Chelsie Giles by presenting the trio with the Freedom of the Borough, followed by a civic reception.

The recommendation from cabinet also includes rewarding all future Rugby medallists at the Olympics and Paralympics with the borough council's highest civic honour.

Rugby-born rower Lauren Henry starred in one of the most dramatic moments of the Paris games when she struck gold in the women's quadruple sculls with crewmates Georgie Brayshaw, Lola Anderson and Hannah Scott.

The Team GB crew edged out the Netherlands in the final stroke of the race at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium to win gold by just 0.15 seconds, putting the 22-year-old former Rugby High School pupil on the top step of the podium at her first Olympic Games.

Kimberley Woods, the reigning Rugby Sportswoman of the Year, came away from the French capital with a brace of bronze medals after finishing third in both the women's kayak single (K1) and kayak cross finals.

The 29-year-old, an ambassador for Rugby Canoe Club, has proved an inspiration both in and out of the boat, speaking candidly about her depression in a bid to encourage others to talk about mental health.

Wolston-based judoka Chelsie Giles headed to Paris with hopes of matching or bettering the bronze medal she won in the -52kg judo class at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

And while the former world number one tasted defeat in her first bout at the Grand Palais Éphémère in Champ de Mars, the Freedom of the Borough recognises the 27-year-old's achievements as a double Rugby Olympian.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships and wellbeing, said the Freedom of the Borough was the highest civic honour awarded by the borough council, recognising outstanding achievements or significant contributions to the community.

"Our Olympians represented Team GB on the biggest sporting stage in the world and we're all truly proud Lauren, Kimberley and Chelsie call the borough 'home'," Cllr O'Rourke added.

"The hard work, dedication and talent it takes to compete with the sporting elite can never be underestimated, and I'm sure all three of our Olympians have helped to inspire a future generation to dream the Olympic dream."

Should council approve the cabinet recommendations, the Freedom of the Borough ceremony and civic reception look set to take place on a date when all three Olympians can attend.

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, said: "These wonderful athletes demonstrate the diversity of the borough and are a real credit to Rugby.

"Lauren, Kimberley and Chelsie's dedication to their chosen sports deserves all the recognition the honour of Freedom of the Borough bestows."