The Leader of Northumberland County Council has publicly congratulated Morpeth track cyclist Hamish Turnbull who won a silver medal on his debut at the Paris Olympic Games. 
 

Northumberland has a rich pool of elite sporting talent, past and present – including runners, footballers, cricketers, rowers and swimmers - and Hamish now adds his name to the county’s illustrious list of sporting heroes. 
 

Glen Sanderson said: “On behalf of the county I wish to say how extremely proud and thrilled we all are for Hamish’s incredible success. 

“It takes talent, grit, phenomenal commitment and enormous coaching support to reach Olympic level in any sport, so for Hamish to come home with a silver medal, at 25 years of age, and at his first Olympic Games, is an extra special achievement.  
 

“It’s always fantastic for Northumberland to be represented and mentioned on the world stage. We know how great our county is and for one of our own to reach the pinnacle of sporting achievement is inspirational to so many others. 
 

“The council feels strongly that sport and leisure are key for fitness and health which is why we have invested heavily in new and updated leisure centres across the County - a portfolio that is one of the best in the UK. 

 

“There have been almost ½ million usages of the council’s leisure facilities over the last three months The scale of enthusiasm and wide variety of sports people are wanting to get involved in is really encouraging –it’s is very exciting to think that someone using one of these may become the next sports star of the future." 
 

“And, while only a small few will become  elite athletes, people in Northumberland of all ages are committed to improving their health and wellbeing, whether it's a once-a-week workout or a few lengths in one of our pools. We are seeing people of all abilities come into our centres, where they are welcomed and supported on their own personal wellness journey.” 
 

During April, May and June 2024 there were 485,000 usages of sports and activity at the council’s ten leisure centres, managed by Places Leisure,  and this figure is expected to rise further on the back of the enthusiasm generated by the Olympic Games. 

 

Gym, fitness classes and swim usage was 145,000 in June and 176,000 in July - showing more people are getting involved in sport and exercise this summer. 

 

Over recent years Northumberland County Council has committed to its biggest ever spend on sports and leisure facilities the county has ever seen. Since 2017 it has invested £72 million to build new centres and revitalise centres across the county, providing state of the art equipment and facilities and classes for all ages.