Commonwealth games golden girl Amanda Landers-Murphy welcomed home at squash club

It was a night for celebration as Rotorua's Commonwealth Games gold medallist Amanda Landers-Murphy brought her medal home to her local squash club.

Players and supporters gathered at the club for a chance to meet Landers-Murphy and to celebrate her success at the recent games on the Gold Coast.

The 26-year-old, born and bred in Rotorua, has a loyal following in Rotorua who watched eagerly as she played her heart out on the world stage.

Landers-Murphy and doubles partner Joelle King won gold, producing a dominant performance to beat India 2-0 in the final. It was a first Commonwealth Games for Landers-Murphy.

"I'm absolutely blown away by the support I've had," she said.

"It's nice to bring it back and see how much it means to everyone at home."

The Geyser City Squash Club is Landers-Murphy's home club.

"The fact they're putting something on for me is mindblowing, I don't even know what to say.

"I really just want to thank everyone that organised it, it means the world."

Amanda Landers-Murphy competes during the women's doubles quarterfinal squash match at the Commonwealth Games. Photo/File

Landers-Murphy spoke to the crowd about her journey to gold, her experience at the games and gave some advice to the young athletes who were the future of the sport.

"Always back yourself, and do whatever it is you want to do.

"You never know if you don't try and when the going gets tough always trust yourself, trust that you've got this."

Young squash player Bradley Knowles, 7, said it was pretty cool seeing Landers-Murphy win a medal.

"When I'm older I might do that."

Club president Steve Sparks said as a club they were obviously "extremely proud of Amanda"

"She put in hours and hours of effort, I'm sure people will be excited to see her."

Sparks wanted to acknowledge the hard work of her coaches Danny McQueen and Cheryl Te Kani-McQueen.

McQueen said Landers-Murphy deserved a celebration like this.

"This is what the club system is all about. Everybody here loves supporting her because she's put so much work into it."

One of the students Landers-Murphy coaches Renee Dodson, 15, said she had been watching all the games.

"It was exciting to see her win the medal. We're really proud of her."

A large sign read welcome home and the room was filled with golden balloons, plastic medals, nibbles and supportive fans.

As she arrived the crowd broke out in applause.

Rotorua deputy mayor Dave Donaldson spoke on behalf of the council.

Amanda Landers-Murphy was given a hero's welcome at her home squash club. Photo/Andrew Warner

"I am here to say how proud we all are of her amazing achievement.

"Thank you Geyser for showing the real club culture you have here. Without that, we wouldn't have amazing athletes like this."

Landers-Murphy was presented a large bouquet of flowers and appeared humbled by the praise.

She tried not to cry as she thanked the club for their support throughout the games.

She had brought home a few presents for her mum, dad and McQueen who she said had been with her "since day dot."

"Since I had this crazy idea to become a professional squash player, you three have been their beside me."

"It's very humbling to be back here in front of everyone."

After the speeches everybody wanted a chance to hold the gold medal and personally congratulate their golden girl.