Harborough’s Olympic Gold Medalists Handed Top Honour

Two Olympic gold medalists have been officially awarded the Freedom of the Harborough District.

Sailor Dylan Fletcher, who grew up in Market Harborough, and Laura Sugar, a Paralympian canoeist from Billesdon, both won gold at the Tokyo Games last year.

Centre, out-going Council Chairman Stephen Bilbie presents Freedom of the District certificates to from left, gold medalist Laura Sugar and Dylan Fletcher’s parents Jane and Graham Fletcher, with Sarah Wright whose husband Chris Wright was Dylan’s first coach who inspired him to compete.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER

The title, the highest accolade the District Council can give anyone, was granted to the pair at a presentation at the Symington Building last night, to recognise their outstanding achievements.

Laura said it was great honour to receive it:

Dylan’s parents, Jane and Graham, represented their son, a former student at Robert Smyth Academy, who could not be at the presentation in person.

Jane spoke as she was handed the certificate on his behalf:

Dylan with his medal