To keep up with Rochdale news sign up to the MyRochdale newsletter here He started his amazing journey just messing about on the water at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club as a seven-year-old.
Now, Stuart Bithell is an Olympic champion. The affable 34-year-old is still taking in his gold medal win alongside Dylan Fletcher in a pulsating finish to the 49er race last week. READ MORE: Jason Kenny's rise from quiet Farnworth schoolboy to Team GB's greatest ever Olympian The duo's joy was palpable as they crossed the finishing line narrowly in front of the second-placed German team and favourites New Zealand.
Now Stuart, who was taught to sail by dad Les and club sailing coach Dave Smith, has time to drink in the fact he has reached the pinnacle
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk