Kate's new hero Kristian to get Halesowen civic reception (From Halesowen News)
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Kate's new hero Kristian to get Halesowen civic reception
1:00pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in News
"Tell me more about Halesowen Kristian...."
OLYMPIC gymnast Kristian Thomas was jumping for joy when the Duchess of Cambridge requested his company ahead of his civic reception in Halesowen.
The Earls Gymnast Club member was catapulted into the national spotlight after performing brilliantly to capture Great Britain’s first medal in team gymnastics for over a century.
So when the future Queen wanted a running commentary on the gymnastics she called for Kristian to be her consort for the afternoon.
The 23-year-old told the News: “Security came up and asked if I would mind her sitting next to me.
“She wanted someone to help explain the apparatus and I was the only gymnast there.”
However, despite being known across Britain for his medal winning heroics Kristian still felt butterflies chatting to one of the most famous women in the world.
He said: “I was a bit nervous at first and wondered what we were going to talk about but she is very easy to talk to and easy to get along with.
She really was a nice person and seemed really interested in what was going on.
And there was nothing lost in translation between the cut glass accented Kate and Kristian’s Black Country twang.
He said: “I joked around a bit and said I was going to put on my posh accent but I’m afraid I haven’t got one.”
Kristian will get a taste of being royalty in two weeks time when a civic reception is held in his honour in Halesowen .
Earls Gymnastic Club are planning to welcome home their hero in style at the club on Tuesday August 21.
Mayor of Dudley, councillor Melvyn Mottram, will be among the dignitaries in attendance along with members from the Earls and the town’s other sports clubs.
Chairman Jon Caulwell is hoping residents will also turn out in big numbers to celebrate Thomas’ stunning achievements.
However, it is yet unknown whether the Duchess will grace Halesowen with her presence for her new friend’s big day.
