Students discover secret of top athlete’s success
PUPILS at The Hyndburn Academy were put through their paces by top decathlete Matt Lee.
Year 7 children at the Rishton school were tasked to complete a sponsored fitness challenge, including sit ups, burpees and squats, and raise as much money as possible for their chosen charity.
Matt, who has overcome issues with injury over the years to compete at a national level, hosted the fitness session and also gave an insight into his experiences as an athlete.
This included an ‘inspirational’ assembly explaining some of the challenges he has faced and how he has turned his career around from repeat injuries to being back at the top of his sport in the UK.
The Year 7s quizzed Matt about his experiences and what has helped him stay focused and positive throughout his challenges with injury.
Matt then gave a demonstration of some of the skills required in the decathlon – which involves ten different events, including long jump, shot put and the 100 metres.
Chiara Angotti raised the most money individually from the sponsored challenge and received a picture with Matt and a special presentation certificate.
Throughout the session, Year 11 GCSE PE students were on hand to provide support and some individual coaching for the Year 7s – cheering them on and giving them tips on how best to complete the different tasks.
Matt Lee said: “I’ve had a great time here at the Hyndburn Academy, the students are fantastic and very enthusiastic.
“Hopefully, I’ve been able to inspire some of them with my story. It is about working hard, putting in the effort and then you can achieve your goals.”
Year 7 student Noah Bent said: “I really enjoyed this afternoon.
The activities were quick and made us all work hard.
“I enjoyed the sit up challenge the most and I was glad I got to ask him my questions.”
Headteacher Nicola Palmer said: “Last week’s visit from Matt Lee was a thoroughly enjoyable, interactive and inspirational session for our Year 7s, who have come away keen to put into practice some of the lessons they have taken from it.
“We are very grateful that Matt took the time to speak to our students about his experience as an athlete and share some of the personal challenges he has overcome to get to where he is today.”