Two Carmarthenshire Olympic cyclists were given a hero's welcome by pupils from their former schools.

Emma Finucane and Jessica Roberts, who both won medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, were celebrated at Carmarthen Leisure Centre on Tuesday, November 5.

The event, organised by Carmarthenshire County Council, saw pupils from more than 10 schools, including Model School, St John Lloyd, Johnston School, and QE High School, cheer on their former students.

Actif's Young Ambassadors also joined in the celebrations.

The event was hosted by Rhodri Gomer Davies.

Emma Finucane, 21, won gold in the women's track cycling team sprint and bronze in the keirin and sprint disciplines at the Paris Olympics.

She is the first British woman to win three medals at a single Olympic Games since 1964.

Jessica Roberts, 25, won bronze in the women's track cycling team pursuit event.

Both cyclists have since become UCI World Champions in their respective fields.

Ms Roberts said: "It’s really special to me as this is where it all started for me.

"Carmarthen is not the biggest place, so to have two people from Carmarthen that have had some great success in cycling is special.

"It’s great to be back here and I just want to inspire some young kids to do what we do."

Ms Finucane said: "It’s incredible to come home and to have this reception, here today, was pretty surreal.

"I didn’t realise how many schools would be here today but it’s why I do it, I want to inspire young girls and boys to get on their bike and ride.

"To come back to where it started, to come back to the velodrome and to see my friends and family is really, really special."

Councillor Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: "We are so very proud of both Emma and Jessica’s achievements at the Olympics this year and it is wonderful to see our school pupils celebrate their heroes’ success.

"It is worth noting that both Jessica and Emma began their illustrious careers with Towy Riders on the Velodrome in Carmarthen.

"Their journey from local talent to international champions is a testament to their hard work and the excellent support from our community.

"Emma’s achievements have also been recognised locally, as she has been the winner of Carmarthenshire’s Annual Sports Personality Awards for the past two years.

"Furthermore, she is the current BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year.

"Her consistent excellence and dedication to her sport are truly inspiring.

"Emma and Jessica are not only Olympic medallists, they are also Carmarthenshire girls and are inspiring the next generation of athletes.

"Llongyfarchiadau mawr i chi ferched."