Rio 2016 hero Josef Craig honoured by Mayor

Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun Alan and Coun Moira Smith, congratulated Josef Isaac Craig MBE on his bronze medal in the Men’s S8 100m Freestyle at a special civic reception in Jarrow Town Hall.

The Paralympic champion became Great Britain’s youngest gold medallist at London 2012 Paralympics, aged 15, and broke the world record in the 400m Freestyle.

“It was a pleasure to meet Josef and welcome him into Jarrow Town Hall to celebrate his bronze medal success in Rio, earlier this year,” said the Mayor.

“The Mayoress and I were honoured to pass on our congratulations on behalf of South Tyneside’s residents.

“Josef’s achievements to-date are outstanding and truly inspirational to us all - including young people across the Borough with aspirations to follow in his footsteps to pursue their passion for sport.”

Josef has claimed medals at a number of international, European and British championships. He was named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2012 and awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, received a commemorative pen from the on behalf of the Borough to mark his great achievement.

“I felt honoured the Mayor and Mayoress acknowledged my achievement in Rio and it was especially nice of them to make sure my family could share in the reception they gave for me. The gift of a silver Waterman pen was a lovely gesture too.”