People in south Essex now have the chance to hear from celebrated Chinese gymnast Chen Yibing, four-time world champion on the still rings, and gold and silver medal-winner at the 2012 London Olympics on Thursday 10 October.

The talk will be taking place at 1.10pm at the Clifftown Theatre and Studios in Nelson Street, Southend-on-Sea during a unique visit by Chen to the University of Essex this week. Chen has agreed to speak in Southend following a fantastic reaction to his talk at the University's Colchester Campus.

Chen is known as the ‘King of the Rings’ for his flawless performances on this apparatus. He will be joined for the public lecture by speed skater Yang Yang, a multiple gold medallist at world championships and a silver medallist at the Nagano and Salt Lake City Olympics.

Both Chen and Yang Yang will talk, through interpreters, about their personal stories and how they became world champions. Chen will also give a short gymnastic demonstration as part of the event.

Both athletes are taking part in a week-long visit organised by the University's International Office and are visiting the Colchester, Southend and Loughton campuses.

A talk at the Colchester Campus attracted an audience of more than 400 students.

• More about the visit by Chen Yibing and Yang Yang to the University of Essex

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For more information contact the Communications Office on 01206 874377 or e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk