Olympian opens new gym at former training base

Team GB swimmer Freya Colbert has opened a new gym at her former training base in Lincolnshire.

Colbert made her Olympic debut at Paris 2024 following gold and bronze medal-winning performances at the World, European and Commonwealth championships.

The 21-year-old used to swim at the Meres Leisure Centre, in Grantham, which had recently undergone a £240,000 refurbishment.

"It is a real honour to come back here to open this facility that is so close to my heart," she said.

Colbert added: "My first gym session was in the old version and I hope the new one serves everyone really well - the equipment is definitely top tier."

The gym equipment, which had been in use for ten years, has been replaced with 70 new stations that have wi-fi.

During the 16-day refurbishment, new weights and cardiovascular machines have been fitted, as well as new flooring, decoration and lighting.

Members of the Grantham and Deepings swimming clubs were among the guests at Tuesday's opening.

Councillor Paul Stokes, deputy leader of South Kesteven District Council, said: "Every piece of apparatus is new and state-of-the-art, adding to the Meres' growing reputation as the destination for sports and fitness in the Grantham area."

He added: "This project has been at the heart of our commitment to the Grantham community to provide a gym they can be proud of and help us toward a goal of achieving a healthier, more active town."

The authority loaned money to LeisureSK Ltd, who lease Meres Leisure Centre, for the refurbishment.

The gym reopens to the public on Saturday.

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