Olympic sprinter leads fitness sessions at Great Waldingfield Primary School to inspire children to take up sports

Youngsters at Great Waldingfield Primary School were given a rare insight into the key qualities of an accomplished Olympic athlete this week.

Professional sprinter Luke Lennon-Ford hosted a series of fitness-inspired sessions on Monday, run by Sports for Champions UK – an initiative designed to motivate young people to live a healthy lifestyle.

The 30-year-old, who competes in the men’s 400-metre races, encouraged pupils to take part in a fitness circuit, which involved running on the spot, before completing a set of exercises.

Year 1 teacher Tina Balaam praised the pupils’ enthusiasm.

“They were really excited and enthused to meet him,” she said. “I hope some of them will be encouraged to take up some sort of sports.”

The pupils raised around £1,330 through sponsorship, with a percentage going to support young athletes.