Mike James, of Coedpoeth says the media attention on 24-year-old Tom, who was part of the GB coxless fours team which rowed its way to victory in Beijing, has been phenomenal since he returned home.

He said: "Everybody here has been very kind and sent messages to Tom and it is quite extraordinary. Two or three people have commented when I have been out walking and that has been quite nice.

"Everybody we know has commented and sent cards. Everybody has congratulated him and he's had all sorts of requests to get involved locally - he's only just got back and his head is still reeling at the moment.

"Certainly when we were down in Cardiff he was astonished by the reaction."

Mike added that Tom, who currently lives in London, had received floods of requests to attend various events - and was trying to balance them all with the process of moving house.

"He's actually having to move flats down in London at the same time as deciding what to do in the future," said Mike.

Regarding a return to Coedpoeth, he said he was keen to see his son back at the family home but added: "We're not trying to pressurise him too much."

Proud father Mike carried in a Welsh flag for his gold medal son to drape around his shoulders - despite an International Olympic Committee ban on the Welsh dragon at Games venues - after the 24-year-old's 'oarsome foursome' followed Steve Redgrave and Matt Pinsent onto the top of the podium.