THE family of Kent athlete Georgina Harland have been describing their joy at watching her Olympic medal-winning performance.

Claire and Philip Harland, from Waltham, near Canterbury, travelled to Athens with sons William and Robert to share the most exciting experience of their lives in seeing her clinch bronze in the modern pentathlon.

“It was a typical Georgina day - leaving it to the last event to race up the leader board,” said Mrs Harland. “She was trailing in 28th place at one stage but Georgina just hangs in there and fights. It was just so exciting and we were absolutely thrilled for her.

“Many of her school and university friends and others from the Pony Club joined us in Athens and we created a sea of red, white and blue. It really is a dream come true for Georgina. When she was just five years old, she told us she wanted to represent her country.

“So when we saw her on the podium getting her medal, it was just the proudest moment and very moving. I have kept Georgina’s posy, which I am getting dried and preserved.”

Harland, 26, used to attend St Christopher’s Primary School in Canterbury. Although she now lives in Bath, she trains at the King’s School Recreation Centre at Canterbury when she comes to Waltham.

After her success, Harland said she was "really, really chuffed". She added: "To get a medal at the Olympics is a dream come true."

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENTISH GAZETTE