FLINT'S very own Jade Jones opened the new golden gates at her old school ahead of her bid to win gold at Paris 2024. 

The prospect of becoming the first taekwondo athlete in history to win three Olympic gold medals awaits Flint's Jade Jones in Paris next year.

Jones won her first Olympic title as a teenager at London 2012 and followed that up with another four years later. 

The 31-year-old was awarded an OBE at the start of 2023 and is considered a hero by many, including by those in her hometown of Flint.

Now living in Croatia to prepare for this year's Olympic games, Jade took a break from training to visit her old school, Flint High.

Today (Friday, May 17)  Jade opened the new golden gates at the school, that have been organised in honour of the hometown star. 

Jade was joined by Mayor of Flint, Ben Goldsborough, Deputy Mayor, Mel Buckley, Carolyn Thomas MS as well as pupils and staff from the school. 

Pupils quizzed her on her career to date and plans for Paris later this year. 

The Leader: Jade Jones with staff at Flint HighJade Jones with staff at Flint High (Image: NQ)

Speaking at the ceremony, Jade Jones said: "It feels lovely to be back and especially with the golden gates.

"Flint has always supported me, it's my hometown and I'm really proud to be from here so to be back before the Olympics inspires me. 

"It really gives me a strength knowing where I'm from, everybody willing me on, how can I not go for it and give it my everything.

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"It's about remembering London and Rio, obviously Tokyo didn't go to plan but just getting that belief and thinking 'imagine coming back with the medal', it would be amazing."

Mayor of Flint, Cllr Ben Goldsborough added: "Thank you Jade for coming, you really are an inspiration to the town and what you've been able to give to us.

"You've shown that through putting dedication and hard graft in you can achieve what you want to achieve what you want to and I know that when it comes to a couple of months time when you're out in Paris we're going to be all routing for you again because we always are. 

"The only problem is we're going to run out of buildings to name after you when you win again, so best of luck."