DROITWICH swimmers Matt Richards and Rebecca Redfern are set to bestowed medals declaring them Honorary Freemen of Droitwich Spa due to their success in Olympic and Paralympic swimming respectively.
Droitwich Spa Town Council can bestow these honorary titles in recognition of distinguished contribution to civic life. The rewards are given for exceptional service.
The motion to honour the swimmers was brought forward at a council meeting on Monday (September 23) by town councillor, Richard Morris, who praised the pair for their sporting achievements and the inspiration they have created among youngsters locally.
Coun Morris said: “I’m very proud and honoured to move this motion.”
Droitwich born Matt Richards MBE became the third youngest British Olympic champion after he helped Team GB claim gold in the 200m freestyle relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
He also won gold as part of Great Britain’s 4x200m freestyle relay team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and claimed his first individual Olympic medal, securing second place in the men’s 200m freestyle race in Paris.
Rebecca Redfern MBE, also a Droitwich local, won silver at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games at the age of just 16 – one year after joining Worcester Swimming Club.
Redfern also won a second Paralympic silver medal at Tokyo 2020 before securing her first gold medal in the women’s 100m breastroke SB13 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Matt’s first swimming club was Droitwich Dolphins and both have gone on to train with Worcester Swimming Club. Both have extensive medal tallies nationally and internationally in British and World Championships.
Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Coun Alex Sinton added: “They’re both delightful people and they’re inspiring others.”
