PUPILS at a Wembley primary school were thrilled to meet an Olympic athlete as part of its Black History Month celebrations.
Onochie 'Larry' Achike went to Oakington Manor Primary School on October 12 to give an "exceptional" and "motivational" presentation.
The theme of the talk was 'goals and dreams', and Larry talked to a packed assemly hall of pupils and staff about his hopes of becoming a world class Olympian and the hard work he had to put in the get there.
A school spokesman said: "His message to the children was that becoming a world and Olympic champion wasn’t just about jumping the longest distance or running the fastest time. It was about education, making sure that homework was completed, studying hard, listening to teachers and being disciplined. All the skills needed to become a world class athlete."
The children were fascinated to see Larry's personal best triple jump of 17.30m, and he demonstrated this with a tape measure.
They got to ask him lots of questions, including how many medals he had collected over the years, to which he responded that he had won about 100 medals all together.
Headteacher, Sylvia Libson said, “I am delighted that Larry Achike found time to come to the school to inspire our children during Black History Month. He is an excellent role model, for our children to see what can be achieved through hard work”.
Forty children aged between 7 and eleven were privileged to be chosen for an hour long coaching session, where Larry taught them some drills and techniques of triple jumping.
The school has also had actress, author, television presenter and politician, Baroness Floella Benjamin, paralympic basketball champion Ade Orogbemi, and former junior 200m champion Lloyd Stapleton visit to motivate and inspire the pupils also as part of Black History Month
