AN OLYMPIC medallist is among those coming to Oxford this weekend to encourage residents to swim.

Steve Parry, an Olympic bronze medallist in 2004, will host The Swim Tour 2014 as it comes to Barton Leisure Centre on Sunday.

He will be joined by former Olympians Cassie Patten and Adam Whitehead for the free family event backed by retailer Decathlon and swim brand Speedo.

The Waynflete Road pool will be open to families in the morning from 9am-11am and to adults from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. The athletes will help non-swimmers to learn and give tips to strong swimmers looking to improve.

Mr Parry, who won the bronze in Athens in the 200m butterfly event, said: “I can’t wait to host Oxford’s Swim Tour and share my love for swimming.

“Not only is it one of the most accessible forms of exercise but it’s also a lifelong skill that can save lives.”

To book a place visit totalswimming.co.uk/swimtour2014