Dame Laura Kenny recalls first gold medal moment at London 2012 as ‘dream come true’

Gabrielle Wilde

By Gabrielle Wilde


Published: 28/11/2025

- 11:07

She described the moment as a “dream come true” and one she will never forget

Dame Laura Kenny has shared her memories of winning her first Olympic gold medal at London 2012.

She described the moment as a “dream come true” and one she will never forget.



Reflecting on the experience in an interview with GB News, Ms Kenny said it felt surreal, almost like she was “living someone else’s life.”

She recalled that Paul McCartney unexpectedly started singing 'Hey Jude' as she collected her medal.

She told GB News: "The very first medal. I mean, it was just I felt like I was living in someone else's life.

"And really randomly, Paul McCartney was in there and he started singing 'Hey Jude'.

"And that is just stuck in my head because thousands of people randomly started singing.

"I mean, I just think it was as cliché as it sounds.

Dame Laura Kenny

Ms Kenny said that despite winning multiple medals in her career, that first gold remains her most vivid memory

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GB NEWS

"It was a dream come true and on home turf as well. I obviously grew up around there.

"So for me it was just so special. I had so many people there. The discussion then shifted to her involvement with Crufts.

She said: "So Crufts have actually got a new initiative at the minute, which is actually a dog census.

"And it's not just for they've relaunched as the Royal Kennel Club, used to be KC registered dogs and that's that's what they used to include.

Olympian

The olympian shared her memory of winning gold

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GB NEWS


"Whereas now they've opened it up to all dogs. I mean, for me, I'm actually going to cross this year to present this Crufts award and is really special.

"Like my dogs are crossbreeds. Their rules for me, it's just really important that, you know, we're inclusive of all animals because ultimately we care about their health and well-being.

"We want as much research as we can get about all dogs to help the longevity of these breeds."

Ms Kenny said she is attending Crufts this year to present a Crufts award, something she described as really special.

She mentioned that her own dogs are crossbreeds, which is why she values the inclusive approach.