NEWPORT Olympic athlete Christian Malcolm officially opened a new gym at a launch this morning.

The Rogerstone runner, who specialises in the 200 metres, cut the ribbon at Xcersise4Less at Newport Retail Park in Spytty.

The gym has created more than 35 jobs and is the chain’s second site to open in Wales.

Mr Malcolm, who is a former Eveswell Primary and Hartridge High School pupil, said: “I think it’s very important to have gyms, it’s a place where people can come and exercise and also this looks like a place where you can build a bit of a community.

“People can get a little bit nervous and scared about going to gyms and I think having different varieties of gyms is a very good thing.”

The athlete, who came fifth in the 200 metres at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said he has experience of lots of gyms as part of his training.

He added he is looking to set up his own academy at the Velodrome and Llanwern School later in the year.

Newport County academy, which caters for youngsters aged seven to 18, has also forged links with the new gym.

Byron Anthony, manager of the academy, said:” got introduced to Neil a few weeks back and it seemed a fantastic opportunity to be part of something new in the city.

“It’s a fantastic gym with brand new equipment. And being an academy looking to achieve a higher status, this is a big thing for us. We are looking to do three sessions a week.”

Neil Rees, general manager of Xcersie4Less, said: “I want to get across how excited I am to be offering such a very affordable price in a great location.”