OLYMPIC gold-winning boxer Nicola Adams says she is delighted to be a role model for a new generation of fans.

The flyweight, whose dad Innocent comes from Marsh, has not stopped smiling in the two weeks since she won her medal, making history as the first woman to do so at an Olympic Games.

Hundreds of fans turned out to see the 29-year-old at the Merrion Centre in her home city of Leeds, where she proudly showed off her gold to cheering supporters.

Unlike top-level footballers, who appeared to struggle with being portrayed as role models, Nicola happily took on the mantle.

“It’s easy in a sense because I am just doing what I love doing,” she said.

“To think I am a role model because of doing my sport is an honour and a great achievement. My love of boxing has brought this to life.”

Nicola’s father Innocent, 59, and step-mum Verna were at ringside in London when Nicola defeated Chinese rival Ren Cancan.

Her stepbrother Gareth joined friends and relatives who roared her to gold, watching on TV screens at The Lime Club in Huddersfield.

Having recovered from a terrible back injury which left her bed-ridden in 2009, Nicola said she can appreciate her success and finding herself suddenly thrust in the spotlight.

“I have had my ups and downs in sport and I have thankfully come out on top,” she said. “It’s like a fairytale ending for me. I have kept smiling because every time I look at the medal, I smile.”

Nicola has not taken stock of her future and has no plans to turn pro, seeming to prefer to remain amateur and fight in the Rio Olympics.

She added: “I haven’t had a chance to think about that but I am definitely looking for 2016 – why not, double Olympic champion?”

For the time being she will enjoy her success and the support of local people.

“The amount of support I have had from Leeds and Yorkshire has been amazing,” she added.