Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Olympic hero’s visit thrills kids
Andrew tells pupils tales of stars Bolt and Farah
Clarkston Primary went the distance last week to welcome a Great British Olympian to the school.
Rio 5000 metre finalist and reigning British champion Andrew Butchart enthralled pupils with tales of his recent Olympic experiences.
Some lucky youngsters were chosen to ask the Team GB star questions about his career before he took on pupils in several fun challenges as part of the school’s very own ‘Clarkston Olympics’.
The track star then coached the running club at lunchtime as the kids prepare for their next competition in a few weeks’ time.
And Andrew was more than happy to spend time with the pupils.
He told the Advertiser: “It’s nice to help out in the community and to inspire people and make them smile.
“I’ve had loads of support from the public so it feels good to be able to give something back.
“I had a great day here at Clarkston Primary and it’s good when the kids get involved, rather than me just continuously talking.
“It’s nice to show youngsters you can succeed if you put your mind to it.”
The Team GB star explained his training regime which sees him run the energy-sapping equivalent of Glasgow to Carlisle every week.
But he says it’s worth every bead of sweat for unforgettable moments such as lining up in the Olympic stadium alongside his friend and hero, Mo Farah.
The 24-year-old said: “I run around 14 miles a day but it means I am sixth in the world and get to run with all these great athletes.
“I’ve been very successful recently. I’ve run in the Olympic games and I am the Scottish and British champion for 5000 metres. I speak a lot with Mo and it’s great to have someone like him who is a mentor to me as well as a friend.
“He’s incredible and was able to treat the Olympic final just like a training session!
“In the mixed training zone before the final, I was talking to Mo and Usain Bolt approached to wish him luck for the race. I hadn’t met him before but he shook my hand and wished me luck as well. It was a real boost.”
Andrew, who is also good friends with fellow Dunblane native and Olympic champion, Andy Murray, was challenged last Thursday by four talented Clarkston pupils who managed to beat him at various sporting exercises.
P4’s Alana Carey wowed the crowd when she showed off her flexibility to do the splits, while Andrew Black of P5 managed to perform a front-flip that Olympian Andrew couldn’t match.
And Ewan McKenna, P6, outperformed Andrew with some football keepy-uppies before P7’s Alison Lennie hula-hooped her way to victory.
The youngsters of Clarkston’s running club were also buzzing with the news an Olympic finalist would be taking them for a lunchtime coaching session.
Lola McIver, of P5, beamed: “I’m really nervous because I want to impress him. I’d be over the moon if he told me I was good.”
And Harrison Logan, P6, added: “I’m so excited. I hope Andrew can help us win the race we have coming up soon.”
Headteacher Ann Bowman was thrilled to have Andrew put a smile on her pupils’ faces.
She said: “Andrew is a great sport and it was really fun having him here.
“It’s a big thing for Clarkston and he is motivational and inspirational for the pupils.
“He encourages health and wellbeing and the facilities we have at the school are fantastic.
“If there is anyone to take tips from in that sense, it’s an Olympic finalist.”