Oxted Neighbors Knit Olympic Tribute, Uniting Creativity and Community Spirit

As the world tunes in to the Olympic Games set to kick off in Paris in 2024, a delightful and creative twist on the sporting event has emerged in a quaint corner of Surrey. In the picturesque town of Oxted, a group of nine enterprising neighbors, whose ages add up to over 600 years, have taken to their knitting needles to craft an impressive woolen tribute to the Olympics. This ingenious project, now on display until the concluding ceremony on August 11, features a stunning array of knitted athletes, from synchronized swimmers adorned with pegs as nose clips to gymnasts and even boxers. Their dedication to the craft has transformed a patch of lawn into an artistic celebration of sportsmanship, creativity, and community spirit. Among the supporters of this unique undertaking is Bryony Page, Great Britain’s most successful trampolinist and a two-time Olympic medalist. Page expressed her admiration for the group’s efforts, stating, “This is just fantastic - I absolutely love it!” Her enthusiasm highlights the connection between traditional crafts and the modern sporting world, bridging generations through shared creativity. The knitting group, which began their project in December, has not shied away from the challenge of representing a wide variety of sports. While some athletes posed a challenge to replicate, knitter Janet Brown humorously noted that they found a solution by knitting "jelly babies," allowing for an imaginative interpretation of the Olympic spirit. As the group continues to expand on their original ideas, Brown has expressed her determination to include a trampolinist in their collection. "I think I actually might have to go back indoors and knit one," she said, showcasing both her playful spirit and commitment to the project. “Watch this space,” she teased, leaving the door open for further creative endeavors. The knitted collection will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibition, with proceeds going to the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, ensuring that this artistic display not only entertains but also contributes to a worthy cause. As the global sporting community prepares for the Paris Games, this charming initiative in Surrey serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, community, and camaraderie. Bryony Page’s heartfelt thanks to the knitting group for their effort and support encapsulates the spirit of the Olympics: bringing people together through shared passions. As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continues, the knitted wonders of Oxted stand as a testament to the joy of collaboration and the unifying power of sport, no matter the medium through which it is expressed.