MATTHEW Langridge, who won a gold medal at the Olympic Games last month, has said he will decide soon whether to retire from the sport.

The Northwich-born rower admits the reaction to his success as part of Team GB’s men’s eight in Rio had made him consider whether to postpone his plans to stop competing.

“Going to Brazil I felt it was my final chance and a last real crack of the whip,” he said.

“But then you get caught in the hype and it’s a great feeling to be out there.

“As a rower, it’s the most special thing you do every four years and what it’s all about for us.

“To finish at an Olympic Games makes the decision [whether to quit] even harder because it’s the last thing you remember.

“At the moment I’m tempted to carry on to Tokyo [in 2020].

“I don’t think I will, but you never say never. In a month’s time I’ll make that decision and see.”

Langridge, now 33, has represented Great Britain at four Olympic regattas.

The former Northwich Rowing Club member has won a medal – all as part of a men’s eight – at each of the past three; a silver in Beijing in 2008 was followed by bronze in London four years later.

He completed the set in Brazil.

A Heroes’ Return event at Leander Club, in Henley, on Saturday celebrated the achievements of British rowers in Rio.

They finished top of the medal table with five in total; three gold, and two silver.

Langridge added: “I think the whole thing is still a bit of a whirlwind.

“Winning gold is something that I’ve dreamed about for a long time, and it feels like it is long-time coming so it is a bit surreal still.

“The initial emotion I felt on the podium was definitely one of relief.

“After winning two medals at previous Games, it’s always been about finishing first for me.

“It’s a weird mix of feelings; there’s a bit of disbelief in there as well because we’d finally done it – that thing you’ve been aiming for is finally done and dusted.”

Langridge has been invited to a homecoming victory parade in Northwich on Saturday week, October 1.

The town council has arranged a civic reception for the former Hartford High School student, who will greet crowds from an open top bus.

He has also been granted the Freedom of Northwich in recognition of his medal-winning achievement.

Invesco Perpetual is the proud supporter of Leander Club.

Their 14-year relationship is built on a shared philosophy and commitment to investing in people, nurturing talent and taking a long-term approach with 123 Olympic and three Paralympic medals won by its members since 1908.