GOLD medal winning Olympian and explorer James Cracknell made quite a splash when he visited Chippenham Sailing and Canoeing Club on Saturday.

The rower, 41, who tasted glory at the 2000 and 2004 Games, went to the club in Long Close as part of his MEP candidacy campaign.

He has been selected to stand for the Conservatives in next May’s European elections representing the south west of England.

Mr Cracknell said: “This is a great club as it caters for people of all ages and it is very good to see so many young people here getting involved.”

Mr Cracknell chatted with members and showed them his two Olympic gold medals.

Meryl Kelsey Masters, the club’s general secretary, said: “We were unsure originally if it was going to happen but we were pleased to welcome him. We would have liked to have got him out on the water but he did sign a paddle for one of our members.”

Mr Cracknell had earlier been in Chippenham town centre talking to shoppers about the role European politics plays in the country.

The Olympian, who survived a serious crash while cycling across America in 2010, said he was enjoying his latest challenge.

Mr Cracknell said: “This is very different to being a sportsman because in sport you can train hard and set yourself with a good chance of getting what you deserve, but that isn’t always the case in politics and you’re powerless when people go to the polls.

“People do tend to have an opinion about things but you have a choice to either accept what is going on or try to make a difference.”

Mr Cracknell said he wants to raise interest in European politics. He hoped the country could develop a more flexible relationship with the European Union and increase Britain’s involvement.