WINDMILL Hill Academy welcomed former Olympic diver Sarah Barrow to the school on Monday, November 21, for a a morning of fitness sessions.

Barrow was visiting on behalf of the Sports for Champions initiative, which sees former and current athletes come into schools to inspire the next generation of children to take up athletics and Olympic sports.

The 28-year-old from Plymouth retired from diving last month after a stellar career which saw her compete in two Olympic Games, win a gold medal in the ten metre synchro event at the 2012 European Championships as well as win medals in both the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.

Since then she has signed up to the Sports for Champions initiative and is also studying sports journalism at the University of St Mark and St John in the city.

In the morning, each class at the school went into the sports hall to take part in the fitness session.

There were four stations; spotty dogs, leg drives, press ups and star jumps with each one running for a minute.

Once each class had been in, they all gathered for an assembly where Sarah showed off some of her moves and showed them a gold medal.

Head of PE at Windmill, Dan Banks, said: “We had a great time meeting Sarah and all the children were inspired to go for their goals.

“They enjoyed a sponsored fitness circuit followed by an assembly were she demonstrated her gymnastic ability and showed the children a gold medal.

“Children then asked questions which gave a great insight into the life of a professional athlete and the determination needed to make it.”

While Sarah said: “I’m passionate about getting involved in things like this as this is how I got into sport many years ago.

“The former England rugby union player, Mike Catt, came into my school and then before I knew it I took up sport and fell in love with diving.

“It’s great to be able to give something back and inspire others to get into sport.”