OLYMPIC medallist Greg Searle has told it was love at first sight when he first came to Marlow, as he looks forward to the upcoming open top bus parade in the town.

All of Wycombe district's Olympic and Paralympic heroes are set to be honoured with a special celebratory bash on September 29.

Bronze medal winner Greg is excited about the event in the town he has come to call home.

The rower, who was a gold medal winner in the 1992 Olympics, made a remarkable comeback in London 2012, aged 40 and has launched a new book revealing more about his surprising but successful return.

As he spoke to the Free Press about the book, he revealed there was no competition when he was looking to move home in 2002.

He said: "I liked the High Street, I think I fell in love with Marlow when I drove over the bridge. It was the church, the river, Higginson Park.

"I thought it was a really nice community for my family to grow up in.

"We were looking for somewhere where my children could put their roots down and Marlow seemed like a nice place to do that."

Greg will be one of a number of Marlow rowers taking part in the Olympic parade this month.

"I'm gently coming down from the high of the Olympics but we've still got a victory parade around Marlow and Wycombe," he said.

"I think it will be lovely, hopefully the weather will be great and people will still be enjoying the Olympic spirit, will still want to come out and relive those memories."

He also backed Marlow Rowing Club's bid to raise over £2m to restore its clubhouse after last year's fire.

Last week the club explained it can not meet the huge demand following London 2012 in its current state.

Greg said: "We need to rebuild the club. I think it's great that we've got so many people who want to get involved in the sport.

"We've inspired a generation so now we need to give them the opportunity to try it, otherwise it's the worst of all worlds."

For more on the club's appeal see www.marlowrowingclub.org.uk

 

 

- MEANWHILE organisers of the open top bus parade for Wycombe district's Olympic heroes have appealed for any gamesmakers or torchbearers to get in touch.
Wycombe District Council want to invite all who live in the area to be special guests at the civic reception which is currently being planned.
The celebration will take place in Marlow and High Wycombe on September 29.
Contact Nick Sykes at Wycombe District Council to register details of you or your friend or relatives who were involved. 01494 421207.