Nicola's our golden girl

GOLDEN MOMENT . . . Special Recognition winner Nicola White shows off her trophy and her prized Olympic gold medal with Oldham Evening Chronicle managing editor David Whaley.

OLDHAM'S Olympic golden girl Nicola White took centre stage again on Friday when she received a surprise Special Recognition award during the Pride in Oldham ceremony.

The 28-year-old, who won gold in hockey at this year's Rio Olympics, was left emotional and almost speechless when she picked up another glittering accolade to display alongside her prized medals.

Nicola spent six hours stuck in heavy traffic while travelling from her London home to the ceremony where she had expected to say a few words to guests at the end of the night.

Ovation

She later described collecting her award in front of 250 guests, nominees, finalists and winners, who gave her a standing ovation as she walked to the stage, as 'a real wow moment' in her life.

She said: "I had no idea and I was so nervous going onto the stage, but it felt incredible to have the Special Recognition award.

"I didn't expect it at all.

"It means the world to me as it comes from my home town and I'm so proud of what it represents."

Nicola is Oldham's first Olympic gold medallist since swimmer Henry Taylor in 1908. She also won a bronze at London in 2012.

Earlier this month, the former Oldham Hulme Grammar School pupil became he youngest woman to receive the honorary Freedom of the Borough.

Speaking to the audience, she said: "It has been a rollercoaster ride to get to this gold medal.

"Everyone has a dream and anyone can achieve it if you put your mind to it.

"If I can inspire just one child, it would make me so happy."

Gill White, Nicola's mum who was also at the event, said: "Its a bit overwhelming but Nicola receiving a Pride in Oldham award is a huge honour.

"Many other people were so deserving but it was a nice surprise getting to see Nicola recognised.

"I'm so involved in hockey that all the attention it brings is normal to me, but seeing her receive this award makes me so proud."