Lizzie Simmonds and Caitlin McClatchey – 2012 GB Swimming
On 16th May 2012, Lizzie Simmonds and Caitlin McClatchey, Team GB swimmers, visited our school as Ambassadors of the Wells Sports Foundation, a charity that has been created to support grassroots sport. The swimmers are sponsored by the Foundation, to support them in their preparations for the 2012 Olympics. The founder of the charity, Barrie Wells also came along for the visit as this was the 50th visit in Leicestershire schools by the Foundation! We welcomed back Lizzie who visited us last year! Lizzie first competed as a senior international at the European Long Course Championships in 2006 and since then she has been a regular medallist and finalist in the Backstroke and Medley Relay events at the major championships, including 6th in the 200m Backstroke at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Caitlin is a freestyle swimmer. She won two gold medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Between 2007 and 2009 she held several individual British records, including the 100m, 200m and 400m Freestyle. She is a part of the relay teams that hold the current 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m freestyle relay British records. Our children were lucky enough to meet Lizzie and Caitlin, listen to them speak about their experiences, see some of their specialist equipment and then take part in a physical activity session led by the stars! This involved some of the key aspects of swimming training including Pilates based work and reaction times games. They also delivered a workshop on healthy eating and sport.
The winner of the reaction game was presented with a signed shirt!
After school a specially selected group of children took part in a gifted and talented session run by the two swimmers!
The children made banners, posters and presented the swimmers with good luck charms! It was fantastic to meet members of Team GB so close to the London 2012 Olympic Games! We look forward to supporting them both this Summer!