Two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Leon Baptiste gives pupils at St Norbert's Catholic Primary School, Spalding, a lesson in leisure and fitness
Youngsters at St Norbert's Catholic Primary School, Spalding, were put through their paces by a gold medal winning sprinter on Tuesday.
Leon Baptiste, who won gold medals in the 200 metres and 4 x 100 metres relay at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, led a fitness session and assembly for the whole school.
Pupils took part in exercises, including star jumps, sprinting on the spot, "mountain climbing and spotty dog" exercises, making full use of their arms and legs to improve body strength.
Sarah Hibbert, the school's PE co-ordinator, said: "The children were inspired and enthused by Leon’s range of sporting ability and his determination which showed how perseverance is the key to success."
Leon then told the children about his own sporting journey, starting out as a footballer before turning to athletics after suffering a knee injury, aged 14.
As an athlete, Leon won two gold medals at the 2003 European Junior Championships in Finland before his knee injury returned, threatening a promising career as a senior athlete.
Reception and Year 1 pupils at St Norbert's Catholic Primary School, Spalding, learn how to do a mountain climbing exercise. Photo by Tim Wilson. SG-050319-013TW
But perseverance and hard work led to success in India before further injury saw Leon miss out on competing at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Leon is now an emerging coach in athletics, as well as a boxer and an ambassador for Sports for Champions UK through which the visit to St Norbert's was organised.
