(Image: PA)
AN Olympic medallist is to open a new supermarket in a North Yorkshire town this week.
Chelsie Giles, who won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will cut the ribbon at the £6m Aldi in Commercial Street, Norton,and a gold medal at the 2022 European Judo Championships.
The 29-year-old judoka, who won a gold medal at the 2022 European Judo Championships, will also give away complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range to the first 30 customers in the queue.
Chelsie's Olympic journey began in Tokyo, where she secured Great Britain's first medal of the 2020 Games.
Competing in the women's 52kg category, she clinched a bronze medal, marking a significant achievement in her career.
This victory was followed by more success on the European stage.
In 2022, she claimed the gold medal at the European Judo Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, defeating France's Amandine Buchard in the final.
Chelsie's career has been marked by numerous accolades.
She won the half-lightweight division at the British Judo Championships in 2014, 2015, and 2017.
She also secured medals at various Grand Prix and Grand Slam events, further establishing her reputation in the sport.
Chelsie's journey in judo began at a young age.
Born on January 25, 1997, in Coventry, she has been on the judo mat since she was just three years old.
Her passion for the sport was evident from the start, and she quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing her talent on both national and international stages.
However, her journey has not been without its challenges.
Despite her many successes, Giles has faced tough competition and has been eliminated in early rounds at several World Judo Championships.
Yet, she has always bounced back, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Away from the judo mat, Chelsie is a graduate of the University of Wolverhampton, where she earned a degree in business management.
Her contribution to British judo, marked by her Olympic and European victories, will be remembered by fans and fellow athletes alike.
Chelsie said: "I am excited to be opening Aldi’s new store; it will be great to chat to customers and a lovely way for me to thank Aldi for its support of Team GB.”
- Read the full story on the opening of the new Aldi store in this week's Gazette & Herald.