Olympic gold medallist visits Harborough secondary school to wow over 300 students

A brilliant Olympic gold medallist popped into a Market Harborough secondary school to wow over 300 students.

Inspiring Shona McCallin, 28, gave a series of dazzling presentations to pupils when she made her special visit to Robert Smyth Academy on Burnmill Road, Market Harborough.

The Lincolnshire-born star athlete spoke powerfully about her journey to winning the magical gold medal with Great Britain’s sensational hockey team at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016.

Working with the Corby-based Mintridge Foundation, Shona, who’s also been awarded the MBE, spoke to over 300 youngsters at Robert Smyth in small Covid-safe groups.

The elite sports superstar told them that it’s absolutely crucial to build up and benefit from a strong support network around you.

“In life everyone faces tough times.

“But it is during these times that you must make sure to always speak to those around you for advice and support, such as family, friends, or teachers,” declared Shona.

“In order to reach a goal in life, you must go through highs and lows as it is never a straightforward journey.

“Experiencing the lows makes you stronger and more resilient for when a tough time occurs again.”

Shona told talented students at the 1,000-pupil school hoping to carve out exciting careers in sport that some people make it smoothly to the top while others climb the ladder and fall off further up.

“This is a very important life lesson to understand and with the support of your network around you, you should never give up,” she insisted.

After listening to Shona, pals Jess and Hope, who are both in Year 7, said: ‘It was great to hear how Shona didn't give up and continued with her passion of playing hockey.

“We were very encouraged by hearing her say that if you really put your mind to something then you can achieve it.”

Mike Scully, the school’s head of PE, said: "The talks delivered by Shona were extremely engaging and inspiring.

“She gave us all key messages about the importance of working hard to achieve success, to never give up, to continue to enjoy your sport at all levels and to use the support of all those around you to help you achieve your potential.”

He added: “It was really pleasing to see several students ask thoughtful questions throughout the morning.

“We would like to thank Shona, the Mintridge Foundation and Bowbridge Homes for their involvement in this programme."

Dan Cleary, the principal at Robert Smyth Academy, said ‘We are grateful to have had such an inspirational speaker visit our school.

“We all must continue to make game changing opportunities for students in a way that is Covid-secure and safe.”

He added: “This visit fits in with our strategy to make sure that students have the best opportunities for development in the future.

“We are now looking forward to opening a high-specification All Weather Pitch in 2021 to put hockey on the curriculum in school and on the map here in Market Harborough!’