That was because she was on top of the world after winning the 400m and 800m freestyle swimming events at the Beijing Olympics.
And she didn’t just win the 800m crown, she absolutely smashed – breaking the 19-year-old world record of Janet Evans in the process.
So it was no wonder our Olympic star returned back to Mansfield with a reception fit for a crown.
Here we take you back to that magic moment when Mansfield came together to celebrate the success of one of our own.
What are your memories of that day? If you have any retro sports images you would like to share, email [email protected]
So it was no wonder our Olympic star returned back to Mansfield with a reception fit for a crown.