WHEN a gold medal was placed around his neck, Olympic boxer Luke Campbell thought life could not get any better.
But the arrival of his second son this weekend has cemented 2012 as the best year ever for Hull's champion.
Luke's fiancée Lynsey Kraanen gave birth to Lincoln Campbell at 12.30am on Saturday.
He is a baby brother for two- year-old Leo.
"It's going to be hard to top this year," Luke said. "I couldn't have asked for a better year.
"I feel so lucky to be in the position I am, to be the Olympic champion and now this.
"I am such a happy man. Creating a life is a marvellous feeling and a big responsibility for the rest of my life."
Lincoln, who weighed 6lb 12oz, was born just hours after Luke switched on Beverley's Christmas lights on Friday night.
Luke, 24, missed the birth of his first son while at a training camp in France.
After jumping on a flight back home when he found out Lynsey was in labour, Luke arrived minutes after Leo was born.
"I am so glad I was home for this one," he said.
"I am feeling great and mother and baby are both doing really well.
"He is beautiful, but it is a bit of a shock getting used to a new baby again.
"Leo absolutely loves him.
"We are all feeling really good and really happy."
Luke said he chose the name of his new baby.
"It's not a very common name," he said.
"I didn't choose it for any reason other than I just really liked it."
The birth of Lincoln has topped off a golden year for Luke, who became the Olympic bantamweight boxing champion in August.
Luke's mum Jill Campbell said: "It just seems like everything has happened for us in 2012.
"It has been a fantastic year and this is the icing on the cake, getting another grandson just before Christmas.
"I am really excited and so proud to have another grandson.
"I already had two grandsons and a granddaughter before Lincoln came along and I have another one due in January, so they are coming thick and fast.
"Lincoln is absolutely beautiful. He looks just like his brother.
"I think Leo will be really protective of him."
Hours after giving birth, Lynsey posted on her Twitter page: "Welcome to the world Lincoln, all healthy and well. Feel like I'm in a dream."
Dozens of fans and friends also took to the social networking site to congratulate the couple.
Hull KR player Craig Hall, a friend of Luke's, wrote on his Twitter page: "Congratulations @lynseykraanen and @luke11 campbell on the birth of Lincoln!!"
Fan Kenny Marsden said: "Congratulations to @luke11 campbell and @lynseykraanen on the birth of their son and little bro to Leo! x!"
Luke said: "I have had amazing support from the people of Hull.
"I am proud of my city and proud of the people in it.
"It is really overwhelming for me and I am so grateful for that.
"The support from people in Hull was one of the reasons I won gold at the Games, because they gave me the confidence and belief that I could do it.
"I will keep doing my best for the people of this city."
