SUPERSTAR Keely Hodgkinson is the toast of a nation tonight.

And nowhere more so than in her home town of Atherton, Leigh, the borough of Wigan and surrounding areas after she won gold in the women's 800m at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the Stade de France.

Here's a selection of tributes being left by Leigh Journal readers on its Facebook page:

David Aspden: What a young lady, what a performance and so very well deserved Keeley. Gold at last...was there any doubt..in charge since the start. So proud of you. Seen you run at Freddies, Leigh Harriers and now one of the best women athletes GB have produced.  Olympic Champion at last

Dennis Anderson: Well done Keely, what an awesome finish and achievement. Now to get the Gold Postbox in Atherton to top it off.

Su Jacks: Well Done Keeley. What a Role Model you are 

Cheryl Thompson: Well done keeley smashed it girl xxx

Andrea Kearney: Absolutely brilliant keely!! Congratulations on fabulous race and showing how hard work pays off.

Lorraine Garton: Well done Keely. I'm proud of you. You've put Leigh Harriers on the map.Ran a brilliant race.

Debbie Jones: Olympic Champion! Well done Keely, you're awesome!

Jan Welton: Fantastic!!!

Justine Branson: Well done, Keely! You are a superstar

Paul Fayle: Controlled the race. So impressive. Congratulations  

Doreen Molyneux: Well done Keely, what a race, what a champion 

Patricia Quinlan: Well Done Keely I knew you would do it xxxxxxxx

Babs Wilcox: Brilliant  absolutely fantastic x

Steve Eckersley: Absolutely fantastic performance, well done Keely, congratulations!  

Stuart Gerrard: Amazing, Atherton's Olympic Champion

Margaret Llewellyn: Brilliant race, well done so chuffed for you 

Marie Ruffley: Congratulations! Absolutely made up for you, well done  xxx

Sharon Hackett: Thanks for giving us all something to feel proud of. Wow well done Keely xx

Dave Mitchell: Never in doubt ! What a run under that pressure !!! Go Keely !!!!!