Last updated at 17:11, Monday, 06 August 2012

DESPITE being 300 miles away from the action, family and friends of Barrow-born Chris Thompson gathered to cheer him on in his Olympic endeavours on Saturday night.

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Competing in the final of the men’s 10,000m, the 31-year-old was given plenty of support from his home town.

All eyes were fixed on the big screens inside Chandlers bar, on Barrow Island, as excitement turned to nervous energy for landlord Paul Roberts – Chris’ cousin.

Cheers erupted inside the Ramsden Dock Road pub whenever a glimpse of the Barrow runner flashed up on screen.

And despite finishing in 25th place, Mr Roberts said his cousin had done the town proud.

He said: “We were told his Olympics were over before it had even started, because of the injuries he picked up.

“So he’ll be pleased that he’s finished.

“At least he can say he’s an Olympian now. It’s a shame that he’s struggled so much with injury but it was great watching him on the TV.

“How many other people can say a member of their family has competed in the Olympics?”

Alongside him was dad, and Thompson’s uncle, Ken Roberts.

He said: “We’ve watched Chris a few times on the TV and we always get really excited when he’s racing. He’s a hell of a nice lad, who is always full of fun.”

Mr Roberts’ partner Yvonne Moore was among the spectators inside the pub, cheering Chris on.

She said: “It was absolutely amazing. He’ll have been elated to be a part of it.”

There were further celebrations at his cousin Sue Dickinson’s house. Family members gathered for a BBQ and to cheer Chris on, including his aunty, Joan Roberts.

She said: “I’m sure he did the best he could. We are all just really proud of him.

“We were cheering Mo Farrah on at the end, too. It was all very exciting.”

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: “Chris Thompson gave it everything he had for Barrow and his country on the biggest sporting stage on earth and we are proud of him.”

First published at 16:14, Monday, 06 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk