Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has formally approved a proposal to grant the Freedom of the Borough to Olympic champion Hannah Scott MBE.

The motion, put forward by Alliance councillors Alderman Yvonne Boyle and Councillor Amy Mairs, celebrates the rower's historic achievements on the world stage.

Hannah Scott secured her place in the history books at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she won gold as a member of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Women's Quadruple Sculls team. Her victory marked a significant milestone, as she became the first female athlete from Northern Ireland to claim an Olympic gold medal since Dame Mary Peters in 1972. Alderman Yvonne Boyle, who proposed the motion, commented: "Yesterday evening's decision is about how proud we are, as a Borough, of Hannah Scott and everything she has achieved. Her Olympic gold medal was a truly historic achievement, not only for her and her family, but for our entire community. To see a young woman from Coleraine, who learned to row here in the famous Bann Rowing Club, go on to reach the very pinnacle of world sport is extraordinary. The Freedom of the Borough is our highest civic honour, and it is being bestowed on Hannah in recognition of her dedication, resilience and excellence, as well as the inspiration she provides to young people across Causeway Coast and Glens. She is a champion in every sense of the word, and this is a fitting way for us to say how immensely proud we are of her."

The motion was seconded by Cllr Amy Mairs, who serves as the Council's Youth Champion. She highlighted the athlete's role in encouraging the next generation of sporting talent in the region.

Councillor Mairs added: "Hannah is an incredible role model for young people, particularly girls and young women who may dream of succeeding in sport. Her willingness to give back to her club and her hometown speaks volumes about her character and her commitment to inspiring the next generation. This honour sends a powerful message about the value we place on achievement, ambition and community, and I am delighted that Council has come together to recognise Hannah in this way."

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest accolade the Council can award, reflecting the immense local pride in the Coleraine native's international success.