Visit by Olympian Gymnast

Kristian Thomas, British Gymnast and 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, visited Ingoldsby Academy, part of David Ross Education Trust, to talk to the young students about his journey and inspire them.

The school welcomed the Olympian on Friday 5 April and started the day with a whole school assembly. Kristian spoke to students and their parents about his career and how he learned to master his gymnastic skills through hard work and practice.

The day consisted of master classes for each year group, looking at gymnastics skills such as balancing, rolling, jumping and making shapes. Some students even volunteered in a 5 people tumble, which Kristian performed.

A special VIP lunch allowed a group of students to speak to Kristian about his career. This was an incredible opportunity for students to hear from an elite athlete about how to deal with nerves, nutrition around sport, the value of hard work and commitment, and how he overcome challenges he faced throughout his career.  A special Talent Masterclass saw talented athletes in the school and a group of four students from Charles Read Academy take part in a more challenging session with Kristian where he coached them in handstand and tumbling skills.

Melanie Capes, Principal at Ingoldsby Academy, said: “ It was an incredible day and a great opportunity for our students to meet an outstanding athlete. Students feel really inspired and motivated after hearing Kristian’s story and they loved the day”