AN Olympic gold medallist from Ukraine has come to Colchester to improve her English.

Nataliya Dobrynska, who won the heptathlon at Beijing 2008, is learning at the Colchester English Study Centre, in Lexden Road.

She has also agreed to be an ambassador for a newly opened gallery.

Nataliya, 31, is staying with Giuseppe D’Anna, who launched the CO3 Art Gallery in Shrub End Road with painter Angella Horner at the weekend.

Mr D’Anna, who is part of a foreign host exchange programme, said: “She has gone to the language school in Colchester because of its reputation.”

Nataliya’s support for the CO3 Art Gallery will include helping to source Russian and Ukrainian artists.

Mr D’Anna said: “One of her passions is art. It has always been a major thing in her family.

When she was offered the role as ambassador, she jumped at it.

“It is a lovely opportunity to make links with the UK and Russia.

“She is a really lovely person and very keen to improve her English.

“She is a very humble athlete, even though she has got international fame.”

One of Nataliya’s more recent successes was edging out Brit Jessica Ennis-Hill to win gold at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Istanbul in March last year.

Her winning performance came despite her husband and coach, Dima, being in the final days of his life after battling cancer.

She announced her retirement from athletics last month.

Mr D’Anna said he hoped youngsters would be able to meet Nataliya at the gallery.

! The gallery, including local and international art, is based at 90 Shrub End Road, Colchester, and will be open at weekends between 10.30am and 4pm until December 15.

More than 300 people were at its launch at the weekend.

Adonation will be made to J’s Hospice, Chelmsford, for each piece of artwork sold.