GB triple jumper inspireschildren in ICU fundraiser

Kola Adedoyin, who is ranked at number two in Britain in the triple jump, visited the independent school to work with all the year groups.

Pupils took part in a series of fun sponsored fitness circuit sessions during the visit from the sporting star. Money raised will be going to the Southampton Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Kola also demonstrated his skills in the triple jump. He won the triple jump at the GB National Indoor Championships in March 2013 giving him the number one rank.

While training full-time, he also studied for his degree and graduated from Brunel University in October 2013. His favourite subject at school was always PE.

His main long-term goals are to make the final of the Rio Olympics and then to win the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Away from the track, Kola visits schools up and down the south-east as an athlete mentor to children, talking to them about his experiences and how he got into sport, highlighting the importance of trying every sport as a youngster, having fun and getting fit.

When asked why he is doing this he said: ‘Some children don’t realise that they have a talent for sport but there are so many that do. I’ve met some great kids today and I hope that I have inspired them to work hard and follow their passions.’

Joe Davis, head of sport, said: ‘The pupils were incredibly inspired by Kola, it gives them a taste of what can be achieved and a great goal to work towards.

‘They really enjoyed their day and the school will be following Kola on his journey to this year’s Olympics.’

The 24-year-old has been competing in the sport for nine years and following plenty of national success in the junior age groups, he went on to win the National Indoor Championships in 2012 and 2013, plus a silver medal at the previous Olympic Games Trials. Kola is now training hard for the Rio Olympics this summer.