JADE JONES has thanked the people of her hometown for the support as she prepares to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

With the whole of Flint behind her, the double Taekwondo Olympic champion will compete once more in France on Thursday, August 8 at 11am in the Women's -57kg events.

Making history at the London 2012 Olympics, Jade became Britain's first taekwondo gold medallist achieving her first Olympic title as a teenager.

The Welsh superstar took gold in the 57kg weight category at just aged 19, a performance which earned her an MBE.

She then retained her title in Rio four-years-later and, after a shock first-round exit in Tokyo, will be bidding to become the sport's first three-time Olympics in Paris.

Earlier this week, Jade's proud dad Gary told the Leader that he had booked the week off work to watch his daughter compete from home in Flint.

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Now, the Olympics star herself has sent a message to the people of Flint ahead of her appearance.

She thanked them for their support ahead of her round of 16 match-up with Macedonian athlete Milijana Reljikj.

She said: "Hi everyone, here we go again, let's do this Flint style!

"I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me. You've always supported me, since the start and here we are at my fourth Olympics.

"It really does mean the world to me, I really appreciate it. It's going to be harder than ever before but I'm going to give absolutely everything and leave everything on that mat.

"Again, thank you for the support. Cheer loud, say prayers, anything that can help me and obviously have a few drinks on me."

Jade was introduced to Taekwondo by her grandfather at aged eight. She left school aged 16 to practice the sport full-time with success coming quickly.

Known as ‘The Head Hunter’ due to her performance for scoring via kicks to the head, Jade has four fights to compete in to secure her third gold medal in Paris.

Her hometown of Flint will proudly cheer her on with events in local pubs such as the Mill Tavern and the George and Dragon.

(Image: Nathan Griffiths) PIC: The George and Dragon in Flint is gearing up for Jade Jones' big day.

Residents will gather at those venues and others to watch Jade's battles unfold and show their support for their local hero.

Here's a timeline of the events Jade will (and could go on to) compete in on Thursday (August 8):

  • Round of 16 (11am) - Jade Jones (UK) v Milijana Reljikj (Macedonia)
  • Quarter finals (1.30pm, 1.53pm, 2.19pm and 2.45pm)
  • Semi finals (3.11pm and 3.37pm)
  • Gold medal contest (8.37pm)