Olympic Champion Opens School’s New Fitness Suite

Published on: 6 Nov, 2018
Updated on: 8 Nov, 2018

By Alice Fowler

Olympic gold medallist Liam Heath visited his old school, George Abbot in Burpham, to open its new fitness suite.

Olympic gold medallist Liam Heath tries out the rowing machine at George Abbot School’s new fitness suite.

Liam, who won gold in the individual 200m kayak sprint at the 2016 Olympics, told students and staff: “What makes a person world class is the ability to work hard and to make the most of every opportunity. These facilities offer that opportunity to our next world-class athletes. They would not look out of place at many of the places where I train.”

Funded by the school’s PTA, the suite offers a variety of specialist gym equipment including treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, a complete set of free weights and a floor for use with weights. All equipment is by premium manufacturer Precor. It will be used in lessons, at lunch times and after school.

Excited students wait to try out the new equipment.

The school’s associate senior leader, Joshua Clayman, thanked the PTA for the huge sum of £20,000, most of it raised at this year’s Clandon Park Run sponsored by Kelly’s Storage.

Mr Clayman said: “This equipment will support the school’s ‘Me and PE’ ethos. Sport is not just about being good at something. It’s also about learning transferable skills and achieving life-long fitness.”

Headteacher Kate Carriett agreed: “The fitness suite helps open up the possibility of being fit, active and healthy to every child. Finding a suitable form of exercise supports well-being in all its forms. It is a key part of what we strive for at the school.”

Students will be taught how to use the new equipment safely and for maximum benefit. The next Clandon Park Run takes place on March 23, 2019.