Rio De Janeiro Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin visits Woodford Green school
Olympic hockey star visits Bancroft's in Woodford Green. Left to right: David Nana, Hanna Wright, gold medallist Shona McCallin, Alex Dhayaa, Dharun Venkateswaran and Jude Dannawi. - Credit: Archant
Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin visited a Woodford Green secondary school to inspire pupils to go for their dreams.
Bancroft's girls' hockey captain Daffodil Dhayaa, 17, with Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin. - Credit: Archant
The 24-year-old won gold with the women’s hockey team in Rio De Janeiro, which saw the British beat the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shoot out.
Ms McCallin brought her gold medal to Bancroft’s School, in High Road, on Monday and spoke to pupils about how she juggled her exhausting sporting commitments with her school work.
She also held a question and answer session with some of the school’s talented sports players, about her career and aspirations.
Pupils were keen to be photographed with Ms McCallin, and she took the time to give individual advice to some of Bancroft’s’ hockey players.
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Captain of the school’s girls’ team, Daffodil Dhayaa, 17, persuaded the Olympic star to allow her to try on the medal, which weighs at 500g.
Daffodil commented: “Shona is an inspiration to all, on and off the pitch.
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“From a hockey aspect, her journey to Olympic gold at Rio is both admirable and inspiration. I personally aspire to have the same determination and focus that she does in order to achieve my own goals.”
