Littlehampton teen tells her ‘amazing’ Olympic experience

The 18-year-old, of Parkside Avenue, was part of the contingent of torchbearers who ran through Chichester, on Monday (July 16), after she was nominated for her dedicated volunteer work with children and young people in Littlehampton.

Steph, an A-level student at Worthing College, said: “Carrying the torch was spectacular, the crowds were cheering and waving – it was difficult to know where to wave so that I did not miss anyone out.

“The atmosphere was amazing, beyond all my expectations. Despite the rain I felt a warm feeling to be a representative of all young people who put others before themselves.”

On Tuesday (July 17), Steph, armed with her torch and Olympic tracksuit, visited pupils at her former school, St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, in Highdown Drive.

She spoke to children about her experience and explained what the torch represented.

Afterwards, she led a parade around the school’s playground, with dozens of children, all carrying their home-made Olympic Torches, following her.

St Catherine’s’ head teacher Gill Howell, said: “It’s such a pleasure and honour to have Steph back with us, with the torch.

“She’s an inspiration to all the children at the school and it’s a joy for her to be here.”

Steph added: “It was lovely to see how all the children’s faces lit up when they saw the torch. They were all asking questions and had a chance to touch it. I just feel so lucky and proud to have had the chance to be part of the Olympics – it’s something I’ll never forget.”