AN Olympic swimmer who scooped a gold medal as part of the British team held a masterclass session at Colchester’s Leisure World.

Anna Hopkin MBE, who won the top accolade at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the mixed 4 x 100m medley relay, treated members of Colchester Swimming Club.

The session, held on Sunday, November 20, consisted of a masterclass in the fitness pool, brunch and a Q&A session.

Gazette: Anna Hopkin MBE was on hand to teach some lessons to Colchester Swimming Club membersAnna Hopkin MBE was on hand to teach some lessons to Colchester Swimming Club members (Image: Newsquest)

Hopkin, who set a world record time with her team in Tokyo, also racked up five medals as part of Britain’s relay team at the 2021 European Championships.

She scooped a bronze medal individually in the 100m freestyle.

Michelle Young, chief coach at Colchester Swimming Club, said: “It was a truly inspiring day for the members.

“Anna took the swimmers through a variety of skills and drills in the pool and then spoke to them for over an hour about her journey to get to the Olympics and how she felt when at the Olympics.

“She answered all their questions. Swimming with them is a day that they won’t forget.

“Our thanks to the Leisure World staff for allowing us to use their pool.”

Adam Fox, deputy leader of Colchester Council, said: “This is the second time this week we have had a medal winning athlete use our facilities to work with and inspire young people in Colchester, which is just amazing.

“Encouraging people to keep fit and healthy by using our fantastic facilities is so important, and we are delighted to have had the help of an Olympian and Colchester Swimming Club to do just that.”