Two Bexley Olympians have shown the way for budding sportspeople in the borough.

Weightlifters Zoe Smith, 18, from Abbey Wood, a former Townley Grammar student, and Jack Oliver, 21, from Bexleyheath, both train at the Europa Centre in Crayford under coach Andy Callard.

Zoe finished an impressive 12th in her debut Olympics with a personal best of 211kg in the women's 58kg category.

"Andy immediately spotted my potential and told my mum after about my second session that he thought I could go all the way," she said.

"I’m not sure that even he really meant all the way to east London for the Olympics though."

With a PB of his own Jack could be proud of his performance despite not advancing from his group in the men’s 77kg class, lifting a massive 310kg. 

"My journey all began at Europa Gym where I began training aged 14," he said.

"Training with the club I quickly became one of the best youth lifters in the country, as well as having a great time in the gym because of the excellent training environment which involved hard training but was also fun."

With Olympic fever still running high, Bexley Council is encouraging residents to try and follow in Zoe and Jack’s footsteps by getting involved in sport.

"We have no excuses here in Bexley and nothing to lose," said councillor Don Massey, cabinet member for leisure.

"Who knows, we may even inspire some budding medal winners for 2016."

Bexley Council’s Summer Sizzler magazine is available in libraries and online with information about activities happening in the borough.

At bexley.gov.uk/sports there is an A to Z of sports and clubs, as well as information on courses, events and projects including London’s Green Chain Walk.