THE Olympics have already left a sporting legacy in Bexley.

Gyms and fitness centres across the borough have all benefited from the buzz around Team GB's golden performances.

And young sprint hero Adam Gemili, gold medal-winning heptathlete Jessica Ennis and cycling star Bradley Wiggins may have some competition before long.

"The phone hasn't stopped ringing," said Len Arnold, director of Europa Gym in Crayford which provides specialist facilities for gymnastics, martial arts, boxing and weightlifting.

"There will be a wave of people interested and I think the clubs have just got to be ready to accept people in," he added. "There is a lot of interest being shown and people want to get involved."

The gym in Maiden Lane opened its doors to dancers and gymnasts in January and was built thanks to funding from the Olympic Delivery Authority, National Lottery and Sport England.

"It’s like having a nice old comfortable car and then suddenly being presented with a sports car," said Len, who is celebrating 20 years at Europa’s old site in Fraser Road, Erith with a party next month.

The full transition to Crayford will be complete by mid-September when the London Olympic Organising Committee formally hands over the facilities.

Team GB’s Olympic volleyball teams have been training there and their Paralympic counterparts will also be using Europa as a base in the run-up to the start of the Paralympics on August 29.

Len’s tasted some of the atmosphere down at the Olympic park for himself. "It’s really friendly and the audience is very knowledgeable. They cheer for everyone," he said.

At Erith leisure centre on Avenue Road centre manager Ben Brook was lucky enough to be at the opening ceremony.

"I can’t describe how good it was," he said.

The centre has also seen an increase in numbers thanks to Olympic fever. "I definitely think it’s boosted our membership sales," said Ben.

"After it’s finished I think things will pick-up even more," he added. "I think it’s something that will definitely last."

Julia Harris owns Changes women’s health club in Bexleyheath and is expecting a real surge in interest once people are no longer tied-up watching the games.

"I think it’s raised people’s enthusiasm but I haven’t seen a real rise in numbers yet," she said.

But Julia thinks 19-year-old Jade Jones’ gold in taekwondo for Team GB will do wonders for the sport especially among young girls, for whom Changes runs classes.

"Parents will look, particularly girls’ parents, and they will see it is a sport that girls can compete in at that level," she said.