OLYMPIC gold medallist Matt Richards paid a visit to Redditch Swimming Club to inspire the next generation of swimming stars.

Matt swam to gold medal glory in the 3rd leg of the men’s 4 x 200 freestyle relay in Tokyo this summer, with the team finishing over 2 seconds ahead of the rest of the world. They were only 0.03 seconds shy of the world record.

The Olympic champion met with swimmers, showed his gold medal and trained alongside the club’s senior squads during his visit on August 16. He also caught up with the club's recently appointed head coach and friend Jon Fletcher.

Matt said: “It’s an honour and pleasure to come along to Redditch Swimming Club tonight and hopefully inspire the younger, next generation, of swimmers. I’ve worked with Jon for years and consider him a close friend. I can’t wait to work further with this fantastic club.”

Jon joined the club earlier this month, having previously been team manager for England Talent where he ran Phase 1 and 2 swim camps, which saw him added to the list of British Swimming Team Managers.

Speaking on his decision to join Redditch Swimming Club, Jon said: “The reason for applying for this role is simple, I have been awaiting the ‘right’ role and the ‘right’ club for a while. I have always admired Redditch SC from across poolside as the swimmers have a fantastic work ethic when competing, so I would think that results from a good training environment.

“I work with very much a ‘Long Term Athlete Development’ ethos, working hard on skills and technique being of paramount importance. I do everything I can to motivate and prepare swimmers for competitions in prime condition, I do it with a smile on my face every day.”