Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin visited a Woodford Green secondary school to inspire pupils to go for their dreams.

Ilford Recorder: Bancroft's girls' hockey captain Daffodil Dhayaa, 17, with Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin.Bancroft's girls' hockey captain Daffodil Dhayaa, 17, with Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin. (Image: 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.

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.

“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.”