A2 PE students from the College and The Beacon School with Gill Horgan (far left) and Suki Brownsdon (fourth from right)

College hosts Olympic master class

Over 100 Physical Education students were given the opportunity to participate in an Olympic master class run by the British Olympic Foundation on Monday.

College students were joined by pupils from the Beacon School in Big School to hear two presentations on areas including sports nutrition and hydration strategies - one for GCSE PE candidates and a second, more detailed session for those taking the subject to AS and A2 levels. Each interactive presentation gave visual and practical demonstrations, followed by a question and answer session.

The master classes were presented by double world champion swimmer Suki Brownsdon, who competed for Great Britain at four Olympic Games, and Gill Horgan, a university lecturer and sports nutrition consultant, who advises Team GB on sports nutrition and hydration strategies.

As members of the British Olympic Foundation, the charitable arm of the British Olympic Association, Suki and Gill visit schools to promote the Olympic movement, develop participation in sport at all levels and encourage young people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

The visit proved especially interesting for the College's Director of Sport, Fi Drinkall, who was a pupil at Millfield School at the same time as Suki Brownsdon. They were able to reminisce about their school days and catch up on their respective careers.

"The presentations heightened our awareness of the imminent London 2012 Games and put some of the theory about nutrition and rehydration into perspective. The morning proved extremely worthwhile and inspirational," said Fi Drinkall.