Saturday 16th October 2010
One young local Table Tennis star is celebrating after bringing home two medals from The Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
 Liam Pitchford is 17 and from Chesterfield. He won a Bronze and Silver Medal in the men's doubles and men's team event respectively.
The Chesterfield Post spoke to Liam just after his return from Delhi at his home, and also spoke to his very proud mum Linda.
She told us that she was incredibly proud - and very emotional - about Liam's success.
It's the culmination of many years of hard work - he started playing at 8 when he had lessons at Brimington Junior School.
Joining a club in Nottingham meant travelling there twice a week, though two friends of Liam's also went along so trips were shared. With tournaments every weekend it was a busy time for the family and a lot of running about but, as Linda says, well worth it.
The family were not able to travel to Delhi, to watch Liam's success due to work and financial constraints, but they were glued to the TV during the matches, "On the edge of our seats." said Linda.
She told us good wishes and cards had overwhelmed the family and they are very grateful. They have had loads of support from friends, family and the community and the phones have been "like hotlines".
After some time at home celebrating with his family Liam will return to Germany to his League Club and his flat. He'll spend at least three weeks there, training.
Liam himself is still overwhelmed by the experience in Delhi - he told us winning the matches and medals is a bit of a blur but he is planning to watch the matches again on DVD.
He said "I can't believe it, I didn't expect to get one medal, let alone two. It's fantastic."
"Delhi was", he said "much better than I expected, I didn't see any sign of trouble or problem with the facilities at all and I'm glad I went. I didn't get any bites either which was really good!"
The hard work for Liam continues - he trains for 5 and a half hours every day and his next goal is the Junior Championships in December, with the World Junior Championships in July 2012 and the London Olympics is another goal. He's hopeful of getting there and representing his Country at the sport he loves.
Liam's success will doubtless act as an inspiration to youngsters around the town, and he had this message for them, "If at first you don't succeed, keep trying, if you're not winning, don't give up - you will get there in the end."
And the medals? Where will they go? Liam wasn't sure, but he knew a woman who was, "Ask my mum!" he laughed.
I have a feeling that, as mum is bursting with pride, they will be displayed somewhere very prominent, and rightly so.
Well done Liam!
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