The Duchess of Cambridge was glowing as she joined teenage athletes hopeful of becoming future Olympians and Paralympians at a SportsAid workshop in Brentford.
Kate, who is 16 weeks pregnant with her second child, and Patron of SportsAid, showed her competitive spirit as she took part in a series of tests at the Human Performance Lab at GlaxoSmithKline, yesterday (12).
A group of 30 youngsters aged between 16 and 20 looked on as HRH experienced the performance-related tests first hand, and jokingly said she had found something she could do while pregnant.
The tests at the sports science facility assessed strength and power, cognition and body composition.
Charles Leslie, global head of the GSK Human Performance Lab, said: “It was great to support these talented young athletes and their coaches today.
"We hope the research our science team carried out will help them achieve their goals and that the Duchess enjoyed finding out how science can help the next generation of British athletes.”
The Duchess was joined on the visit by Olympic swimmer Keri-anne Payne and Paralympic wheelchair athlete David Weir CBE.
David Weir said: "It’s a long road to Tokyo but her support will make a big difference and with the right approach, it’s achievable.
"It’s exciting to think these athletes could be part of the next generation of British sporting heroes and I wish all of them the very best of luck.”
Kate also toured the environmental chamber where the temperature was to the heat and humidity of Tokyo, hosts of the 2020 Olympic Games, and spoke to they young athletes.
Sprinter Shona Richards, 19, from Epsom in Surrey, who this summer won two silver medals at the junior world championships, said: “It’s been really good, this is one of those places you hear about but you don’t really get an opportunity to go to.
"So being here is a huge deal and I’m so glad I was invited.
"It was incredible to meet the Duchess, it’s something I never thought I’d do.
“We spoke about the day and the facilities, the support I’ve had from SportsAid and what I’m aiming for in the future."
SportsAid’s chief executive Tim Lawler added: “We’re very grateful to GSK for opening the Human Performance Lab up to these athletes today and for the fantastic insight it’s given them.
"We’re also delighted to have the Duchess with us as her support will give a huge boost to these inspirational young people, acknowledging all the sacrifices that they and their families are making for the future of British sport.”
