Medallist goes on caravan holiday

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Britain's first Olympic gymnastics medallist for 80 years is to leave behind the glamour of Beijing to go on a caravan holiday in Great Yarmouth.

Louis Smith, 19, from Peterborough, who won bronze in the men's pommel horse event, will go on holiday with friends.

Despite his remarkable feat, after nearly six weeks away from home he is looking forward to being reunited with family and friends.

"It has all been so crazy but it has been so worth it," he said.

"All my mates are saying I am a celebrity now. It is so amazing.

"But I'm still the same old Louis to them because they know all the old stories about me.

'Relaxed time'

"I'm going on holiday to Great Yarmouth with my friends. A lot of them are skint and some of them have been on holiday already.

"But with me missing the holiday season being out here I said I would pay for the caravan.

"It won't be as warm but I'll have my own friends and a relaxed time."

But even before he goes on holiday Smith will return to training as he seeks to build on his unexpected bronze medal success.

"I'm straight back in the gym because I've had a week off here and if I have a week off when I get back and then a week's holiday I'll come back like Mr Blobby," said the Huntingdon club member.