Inspiring our students – Olympians visit Penrice We were delighted to host two visits from former Olympic athletes at the end of term at here at Penrice Academy. Olympian Silver Medallist and World Championship Gold Medallist rower, Annie Vernon from North Cornwall (Polzeath) shared her success story with Year 9 assembly and then delivered a workshop to our school’s Rowing Club. Olympian Rower Annie Vernon with members of the Penrice Academy Rowing Club Using our Ego rowing machines, Annie shared tips and advice on rowing and training techniques and how to beat the competition when striving to “be the best”. The group also discussed how rowing is a sport that can be both an individual sport and group activity, increasing personal discipline and fitness together with learning to work as an effective team. Members of our rowing club range from year 7 to year 10 who train every Friday at Rowing Club from 3:00-4:30. New members are very welcome, no experience necessary. Speak to Mrs Scott-Hammond or Mr Banfield for further details. Later in the week, Olympian triple jumper Vernon Samuels from Bristol, met a group of students from year 7 – 9 to speak with them about his personal journey in sport and what he has learnt from the experience. Vernon qualified as the British triple jump champion at 18, won a scholarship to train and study in America for 4 years and at 24 went to the 1988 Olympics. Vernon then joined our Year 9 on the field teaching them how to triple jump successfully. Mrs Scott-Hammond said, “Through the Youth Sports Trust Athlete Mentor Programme, Penrice was fortunate to welcome these two Olympians. Our guests shared their personal journeys through sport, which saw them overcoming problems, challenges, success and failure. All great life lessons for our students.” Olympic triple jumper Vernon Samuels For more information on YST Athlete Mentor Visits, go to https://www.youthsporttrust.org/our-athlete-mentors