In Rebecca Adlington, Mansfield has a real celebrity worthy of the name.
Just to get to compete in the Olympic Games at all is a fabulous achievement.

To be become the first British woman for 48 years to take Olympic swimming gold is simply awesome.

Rebecca's triumph in the 400 metres freestyle – witnessed by millions around the world – is a tribute to her talent and dedication in one of the most demanding of sports.

Anyone who has heard her can have failed to be impressed by the way this modest 19-year-old has dealt with the attention suddenly thrust upon her.

What an ambassador for Mansfield. What a credit to her parents who have every reason to feel so proud. What a great new role model for other youngsters.

Who's to say Rebecca won't now do for swimming and Mansfield what Torvill and Dean did for skating and Nottingham.

It would be some legacy.

And let's not forget the excitement isn't over yet. Rebeccca could well win a second gold later this week in the 800 metres freestyle, guaranteeing her a special place in the annals of competitive swimming.

What will we do then for superlatives?