Flint: Hometown show support for Olympian Jade Jones

Kicking off on Friday, July 26 until Sunday, August 11, the 2024 Olympics are almost underway after years of training and preparations.

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

Jade Jones at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games (Image: PA Media)

After achieving her first Olympic title as a teenager in London 2012, the now 31-year-old was awarded an OBE at the start of this year and is considered a hero by many, including by those in her hometown of Flint.

Gold post boxes will be going out on display around Flint in the coming days where the community can write letters of support.

The golden letter boxes are ready (Image: Nathan Griffiths)

The George and Dragon on Church Street has been named as the official venue showing Jade's fights on the big screens during her events this August. There will be a limited number of merchandise available.

Jade's cousin, Nathan Griffiths, is one of those organising the celebrations of support alongside Landlady Lyn Leigh. He has created props such as a golden name sign featuring the Welsh dragons to reflect Jade's pride of her hometown. 

Jade Jones celebrating winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics (Image: PA Media)

He said: "Jade is hopefully going to bring back her 3rd Olympic Gold medal to her home town of Flint.

"She has been training very hard and will have her family at the Paris Olympics, not like the Tokyo Olympics where through covid no spectators were allowed. Having her family around gives her that extra buzz.

"Jado, as she is known by many in Flint, is determined to win gold. We will all be supporting her and watching her live at the George and Dragon."

A knitted model of Jade (Image: Nathan Jones)

The venue will provide Olympic-inspired entertainment for children, including a Paris drawing competition with prizes up for grabs.

Anne Watties from Taunton has also been hard at work designing and creating the iconic post box toppers which will be distributed around the town. 

Nathan approached her after seeing her designs on social media, and knew she'd be a fantastic creative addition to the 'Jade Jones Project.'

Nathan has been getting crafty to show his support for Jade in this year's Olympics (Image: Nathan Griffiths)

"We have been working together over the last year coming up with designs", Nathan said.

The toppers have become a loved tradition and celebration of significant occasions in Flintshire.

On Instagram, Jade shared the exciting news. She said: "Its official, I’m going to Paris.

MOST READ

• Potential plans for new multi million pound project in Flintshire revealed

• Police issue update on RTC involving child in Flintshire last week

• "Absolutely sick of the road rage and speeding" - reader views on 20mph zones

"Delighted to be selected to represent Team GB in what will be my 4th Olympic Games, 5th including the Youth Olympics.

"This one feels extra special, almost like the very first again when I was 19! It is so hard to even qualify for an Olympics, so I am super proud and I can’t wait to fight my heart out for GB and myself once again."

The Taekwondo events are scheduled to take place between August 8-10, including the Women -49kg Round of 16, -57kg Round of 16 and -67kg Round of 16. 

Visit the George and Dragon to watch all Jade's live events. For all news, follow the 'Jade Jones...The Pathway to Paris' page on Facebook.