A CHANCE conversation led to one man revealing a secret that he has told few about for more than 30 years.

A popular face at Made in Stroud, Robin Taylor, 42, has worked at the shop in Kendrick Street for seven years, coming in once a week.

But nobody at the shop knew that Robin, who has Down's syndrome, won two gold medals at the Special Olympics in Chicago in 1981 for his gymnastics floor routine when he was aged 13.

"It was a very exciting time," said his mum, Liz, from Bisley.

"He used to go to a gymnastics club in Cheshire where we lived and about eight of them were chosen to go.

"He was very excited, they went off with helpers.

"I remember they all came back wearing blazers and Robin was very sun burnt.

"I don't think he talks about it very much now because it was so long ago."

She said the family have fond memories of the event, which has the motto 'Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.'

Around 1,000 athletes competed in the event.

The revelation came completely by chance when Made in Stroud director Clare Honeyfield was discussing going to gymnastics.

"A friend said 'see you at gymnastics' and then Robin said I used to do gymnastics and I won an Olympic gold," said Clare.

And it was not only at the Special Olympics that Robin won golds.

The Olympian won competitions across the country, from Brighton to the Isle of Wight, often going along with his family.

The Special Olympics, founded in 1968, is the world’s largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and holds competitions across the world.