BRADFORD on Avon is bursting with pride after resident Jazz Carlin swam a lifetime best to win a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics this week.

The 25-year-old sensation, who missed out on London 2012 due to glandular fever, was the talk of the town this week after a heroic performance in the 400m freestyle on Monday.

Ms Carlin, who became the first Welsh woman to claim an Olympic swimming medal since 1932, is now an inspiration to many, including the likes of 12-year-old neighbour Isabella Geddes.

“She is a hero to me,” she said. “It is so inspiring what she has done. When I watched it I was screaming and cheering her on so loud I think the whole street heard me.”

“It is incredible what she has achieved and I think it can motivate young people to do something they dream about doing too.”

Her stepfather Jon Gwilliam, 42, added: “I was bowled over by how nice she and her family are. They are really great neighbours and just lovely to be around.

“I watched it live at 2.30am and it was just wonderful. Jazz won her own race and has made Bradford on Avon extremely proud.”

Ms Carlin, who trains at Bath University and said she was ‘gobsmacked’ by the result, becomes the second athlete who lives in the town to win an Olympic medal, after sprint kayaker Ed McKeever won gold four years ago.

Claire Tindall, 38, and her five-year-old son Sam, who swim at the town’s pool were delighted with the swimmer’s efforts. “I think what she did is amazing,” said Sam.

Bradford swimming pool general manager Laura Clark said: “We are extremely proud of Jazz. It is amazing to see how swimmers like her can go from learning to swim, often in their local centre to competitive sport, and winning such wonderful accolades. It has certainly created a buzz at the pool.”

Neighbour Tathia Noyce, 23, said: “It is pretty cool to have an Olympic champion on my street. The golden postbox and the Ed McKeever bridge are great – hopefully she can get something nice too.”

The swimmer was set to compete in could yet add to her silver medal when she goes in the women’s 800m freestyle later this week.

Eve Wright, of the Seven Stars pub in Winsley, added: “It is just fantastic news and brilliant for the town and hopefully this can inspire others to follow in her footsteps.”