THE PEOPLE of the hometown of a two-time Olympic gold medallist turned out in numbers to support her today (August 8).

With the whole of Flint behind her, double Taekwondo Olympic champion Jade Jones took to the mat in the Women's -57kg events in Paris.

But, sadly her hopes of a record-breaking third gold medal were quashed in the round of 16 when she was narrowly beaten by Macedonian Milijana Reljikj.

People back home in Flint turned up in their numbers to support their hometown hero.

Fans, friends and family gathered at various venues, shops and houses were decorated with pictures of Jones and even bollards were adorned with knitted toppers.

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The likes of Jade's dad Gary watched on from the Mill Tavern where plenty of screens were on offer to watch her in action.

The George and Dragon was open early to provide an 'Olympic breakfast' to guests who fancied a challenge.

Speaking ahead of Jade's event, pub Landlady Linda Leigh said: “We’ve had quite a lot of people in already taking on our Olympic breakfast this morning.

”A lot of them will be coming back soon to support Jade. We were all here for her first Olympics in 2012 and now we’re here again and we can’t wait to see her on the big screen.

(Image: NQ) PIC: Staff and punters at the George and Dragon in Flint show their support for Jade Jones.

"I'm a nervous wreck, so I can't imagine how her family must be feeling."

Nathan Griffiths - Jade's cousin who is part of the George and Dragon team - said: "We are all very proud of her no matter what happens."

Jones 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.

She made history at the London 2012 Olympics, when she became Britain's first taekwondo gold medallist and achieved her first Olympic title as a teenager.

Flint's 'Golden Girl', took gold in the 57kg weight category aged just 19 - a performance which later earned her an MBE.

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

The people of her hometown of Flint have been sending in their well wishes after her defeat.

Former town mayor Mel Buckley said: "You are our Olympic champion for always Jado!

"Flint has always got your back Jade, from day one when you competed in the Inaugural Youth Olympics in 2010 to Paris 2024, your entire career has brought joys to so many people in our town and across the world. You inspired a generation champ."

Amanda Chitty wrote: "You done amazing you should be proud of yourself like the whole of Flint are."

Faye Lyons said: "It was such a good fight though, Jade should be really proud."

Sharon Moses added: "Win or lose she’s still our champion."