Paralympics star in village honour
A Beijing Olympics star from Cheslyn Hay has been honoured by parish councillors to celebrate efforts at the Paralympic Games in the summer.
Martin Crutchley, from Westbourne Avenue, was presented with a shield by the chairman of Cheslyn Hay Parish Council. He was guest of honour at a meeting of the council on Wednesday, along with his parents.
The shield read: "Presented by Cheslyn Hay Parish Council in recognition of Martin Crutchley's commitment and participation in the 2005 CP-ISRA World Championships and the 2008 Paralympics."
The Paralympic shotputter received a hero's welcome in the village after finishing fifth place in the Beijing games. He managed a throw of 12.72cms – a metre less than his personal best but just 25 centimetres short of bronze.
He made the throw in front of 90,000 spectators in China, cheered by friends and family back home.
His father David made sure he was awake and tuned in to watch his son perform.
He was always up against tough competition after a Chinese athlete threw a world record 16.40cms in his first attempt.
Martin stands 6ft 3in and suffers with cerebral palsy but has trained hard to become a top athlete. Parish council chairman councillor Bon Denson praised his efforts at the Paralympics. "The whole village is proud of Martin's participation in the 2008 Paralympics as well as the 2005 World Championships," he said.
After spending almost a month away from home Martin was treated to a surprise party at the White Hart pub in Wolverhampton Road, Cannock.
A "Welcome Home Martin" banner was also draped across the front of his family home.
David Crutchley said the family were confident Martin would make it to the London Paralympics and would get a medal in front of his home crowd.
Martin and his parents are now focussing on the 2012 Paralympics and the 25-year-old said he was aiming to be number one in the world.
