Paralympic champion Fox hoping to inspire future generation on return to rowing club

James Fox poses with his gold medal. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Video report by ITV News Anglia's Andy Ward

Paralympic gold medallist James Fox has made a triumphant return to the rowing club in Peterborough where he learnt his trade.

The 24-year-old began his career at the Peterborough City Rowing Club at the age of 11 and stayed there until he moved to university.

It was there that his world came crashing down after he was involved in a serious car crash.

"I went to university at 18 and within a couple of months I'd broken my back," he told ITV News Anglia.

"At that point, I quit the sport. The Paralympics has brought me back into the sport and kept me doing the things that I love.

"It's a real pleasure to be representing my country."

James Fox's honours

  • 2016 Paralympic champion (LTA Mixed Coxed Four)

  • 2013, 2014 and 2015 World champion (LTA Mixed Coxed Four)

Instead of giving up, Fox chose to try and make it as a Paralympian - putting his heart and soul into winning a gold medal.

His dream came true in Rio this September when he and his teammates won the Mixed Coxed Fours.

James Fox celebrates his win in Rio. Credit: PA

This week, he was back in his home city to give some expert coaching to some of the youngsters at his former club, as well as trying to inspire them to follow in his footsteps.

Although he's now a Paralympic champion, Fox insists he will never forget his roots.

Fox watches on from the banks of the river. Credit: ITV News Anglia

"I absolutely adored what I did when I was here," he said.

"For seven years, I adored the rowing and it's good to see guys having fun.

"You're not going to succeed in anything if you don't enjoy it."