Inspiration pours out during Olympic swimmers’ school visit

As part of the pupils learning about the Olympics, they were very excited to meet a real-life medal winner.

Karen Pickering visited each class having been shown around the school by two of the Year 6 pupils Joe Prestedge and Lily Bowers.

Pupils had prepared questions to ask her about her swimming career and were very excited to be able to handle and try on her medals.

Karen spent time at the school poolside watching some of the younger pupils swim.

She then stayed for lunch and signed place mats for pupils on the Top Table to take home.

Following her visit, pupils in Year 2 wrote an account of the day.

Maisie Nevey wrote that it was ‘so cool to meet Karen Pickering and to be able to get her autograph.’

Year 5 pupil Archie Murrow-Blackmore was very inspired to meet an Olympic athlete as he too is aspiring to be an Olympic swimmer himself.

‘I have never met an Olympic swimmer before and I was really excited. She is the best athlete by far that I have ever met.’

Archie has recently undergone trials for our local Seagulls Swimming Club and was successful.

The day was obviously inspirational for our pupils and a great opportunity for them to meet a medal winner.