Yorkshire athletes fly the flag in Rio as 2016 Olympics closing weekend kicks off

HAD we been a republic, Yorkshire would have finished 12th in the London 2012 Olympics.

Then, the Yorkshire contingency of Team GB won twelve medals – seven of them gold.

This year in Rio, athletes from the region have already contributed five gold medals to Team GB.

Stellar performances from Harrogate’s Jack Laughter in springboard competitions, Dewsbury-born Alistair Brownlee taking gold in the men’s triathlon, Paul Bennett of Leeds and Andrew T Hodge from Hebden and Ed Clancy in men’s team pursuit all contributed to the medal wins.

Other mentionables include Alistair’s younger brother Jonathan taking silver in the same race, a medal which Sheffield’s Jessica Ennis-Hill took for the women’s heptathlon, narrowly missing out on the top spot.

We’ve faced stiff competition this year from none other than God’s Own Country’s arch rival/friendly compatriot when it comes to making fun of Southerners, Lancashire is putting on a good show too.

Jason Kenny from Bolton, won three golds, one of them with Steven Burke of Burnley for men’s team pursuit, and Sophie Hitchon of Burnley won a bronze medal.

Here’s to another great weekend of athleticism ahead – and to Yorkshire taking home the imaginary top region trophy again.

Medal table for Rio Olympics 2016 – August 19