OLYMPIC gymnast Craig Heap had students jumping for joy when he visited Hyndburn Academy.
Craig’s 20-year career saw him win 14 British championship titles, compete in five European and five World championships and in 1998, become the first person in history to captain England to team Gold at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
In 2000, despite breaking his hand in two places seven weeks earlier, Craig fulfilled his childhood dream of competing at the Olympic Games in Sydney, achieving a personal best in the All Around final.
Two years later, he captained England to another gold in the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Craig revealed the secrets of his success when visiting the Rishton-based school, talking to students from years 7, 8 and 9 about resilience and determination.
Pupils were then doing somersaults after Craig organised a practical gymnastics session on a minitrampoline.
He then took time to have ‘selfies’ wearing his Commonwealth medals.
Executive Principal Andy O’Brien said: “At Hyndburn Academy, we strive to provide our students with an aspirational education and Craig’s visit helped to demonstrate to students what is possible through hard work, focus and determination.”