ALCESTER’S Nick Skelton has galloped once again into the history books after becoming Great Britain’s oldest Olympic champion since 1908.

The 58-year-old also helped secure Team GB's record-breaking Olympics result, with a total of 67 medals awarded at Rio, two more than in London four years ago.

Skelton, in his seventh Olympics, secured his golden win on Big Star in the individual showjumping event.

Previously in the Rio Olympics, Nick Skelton and Big Star took part in the team showjumping event where disappointingly, Britain finished on 13 faults and in 12th place.

Speaking to the BBC, Skelton said: "It is unbelievable. I am speechless for once. The horse was amazing today. He has been really unlucky the last few days.

"Justice has been done for him today, and he deserves it. He has been incredible."

Speaking to the Advertiser, his son Dan, a racehorse trainer, said he was "very proud" of his father.

"I always thought he would do it," he said.

"We were all hopeful it was going to happen, all we needed is luck.

"It is something he has always wanted, all his life- it's magical.

Since his win, sales of his out-of-print memoir Only Falls and Horses have rocketed - selling out at bookseller Abebooks.

Skelton, who was forced to retire in 2001 after he broke his neck in two places in September 2000, made an incredible recovery and returned to the sport. In 2012, he made history by securing Britain's first showjumping Olympic gold medal in 60 years.

Mayor of Alcester Chris Brannigan said: "The people of Alcester are absolutely delighted to congratulate and welcome home to Alcester our brilliant Olympic gold medal winners, Nick Skelton and Big Star.

"Nick's seventh Olympic Games and to come back with an individual Gold Medal.

"For a person who retired in 2001, that's an amazing achievement. Alcester already has a double gold post box from 2012, one for Nick and one for Big Star.

"Alcester is really going to have to come up with something very special to commemorate this fantastic achievement."

Skelton received an OBE for his services to sport in 2012.

He also broke the British record for highest fence jumped after conquering a 7ft 7ins obstacle at Olympia in 1978.