Shropshire Star

Olympics golden boy Jonathan Edwards hails Shropshire's role

[gallery] Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards hailed Shropshire's role as the inspiration behind the modern games when he visited Much Wenlock on the opening day of the 126th Wenlock Olympian Games.

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Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards hailed Shropshire's role as the inspiration behind the modern games when he visited Much Wenlock on the opening day of the 126th Wenlock Olympian Games.

The triple jump world record holder, who jumped 18.29 metres (60ft) in 1995 and took gold at the Sydney games in 2000, said it was 'fantastic' to be in the county yesterday.

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In his first year as president of the Wenlock Olympian Society, which organises the annual games, he presented winners their medals after 300-plus runners from around the world took part in the event's inaugural marathon and half marathon.

Mr Edwards said: "My feeling is that it doesn't go beyond credibility to say that if it wasn't for the Wenlock Olympian Games and if William Penny Brookes had not met and inspired Pierre de Coubertin, there would be no modern Olympic Games.

"I've had a fantastic day. Much Wenlock is really lovely. It has to be one of the prettiest places anywhere in the world."

Despite muddy conditions, runners enjoyed warm and dry weather as they ran along Wenlock Edge, from Craven Arms for the marathon and from Longville-in-the-Dale for the half marathon.

Helen Cromarty, games spokeswoman, said the event was a big success and attracted runners from Japan, South Africa and US.

The men's marathon winner was Nick Thomas, in 3 hours 35 minutes and 14 seconds, with the women's marathon won by Amanda Wright-Smith, in 4 hours 1 minute and 28 seconds.

The men's half marathon was won by Chris Daniels with a time of 1 hour 39 minutes and 29 seconds, with the women's event won by Michelle Clark in a time of 1 hour 51 minutes and 57 seconds.

Yesterday's event was watched by about 1,250 spectators. The races were the curtain-raiser to 12 days of sporting events at nine sites across Shropshire to mark this year's Wenlock Olympian Games.

By Tom Johannsen

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