Lucky youngsters were honoured with a visit from Olympic silver medallist Fatima Whitbread after two students wrote a letter inviting her to the school.
The former world javelin record holder stopped off at Rise Park Junior School in Annan Way, Rise Park, on Monday.
Headteacher Kate Sisman said: “The children were so excited about meeting Fatima – a world-class athlete who is a real inspiration to youngsters to take up sport.”
Fatima spent the day talking to pupils about her inspirational achievements before taking part in a PE lesson which included parachute games, relay races, dodgeball and other activities.
In April, students Connie Smith and Katie Anderson, both 11, wrote to the Olympian. A week after receiving the letter, Fatima called the school to say that she would be delighted to visit.
Fatima is also supporting a campaign by David Lloyd Leisure centre to encourage youngsters to take part in regular exercise.
Sarah Hobbs, head of sports, health and leisure at David Lloyd Leisure, said: “We believe that if children form strong habits to be active then they will continue as they get older and supporting families to this end is what we do.”
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