Olympic gold medallist Jack McMillan has said he hopes his swimming success will inspire the next generation of Northern Ireland sportsmen and women.
The 24-year-old was speaking as he met youngsters from Bangor Swimming Club where he got his start and trained as a teenager.
The Belfast man joined the club as a child before moving to Stirling in Scotland where he is currently based.
He met the local children at Ards Leisure Centre ahead of a homecoming event in the town organised by Ards and North Down Council to celebrate its Olympians.
“It’s been surreal coming back, seeing all the kids come up with a smile on their face and hopefully I have inspired the next generation coming up to see what is possible, especially in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“This was our best Games ever, I hope we have inspired the younger generation. It’s so good for Northern Ireland. Hopefully this will carry on to the next Games.
“Hopefully we’ll get more support, facilities-wise and funding-wise.”
Jack McMillan during a Team GB kitting-out session ahead of the Games (David Davies/PA)
He added: “It’s quite a weird feeling, because when I was a kid, this was always the dream to qualify for the Olympics, and not only that but to get a gold medal.
“That’s what I trained for during all those early mornings, makes getting up at 4.30am in the morning before school worthwhile. It’s been incredible.”
McMillan, who also competed in the Tokyo Olympics under Covid restrictions in 2001, described the Paris experience as “completely different”.
“You got to interact with other people and the village was a much better environment, and yes to come away with a gold medal makes it 10-times better and the cherry on the top,” he said.
“All the dedication has finally paid off.”
McMillan competed in the Team GB men’s 4x400m relay team in front of 17,000 people at the La Defense Arena.
“The crowd was amazing, it was like a football atmosphere almost. Nothing I’ve ever experienced before and it makes you more excited for the next Games in LA,” he said.
McMillan is set to take a holiday before hoping to return to training in the autumn, and starting to plan towards the LA Olympics in 2028.