Olympian Inspires Bancroftians to Go for Gold
We were lucky enough to have a visit from Olympic Gold Medallist Shona McCallin on Friday 18 November. McCallin, who won Gold in Rio as part of the women’s hockey team, was accompanied by her medal, which goes everywhere with her.
Firstly she spoke to all senior pupils during a special assembly about her career: the highs and lows and the trials and tribulations which culminated in success at Rio in 2016. She focused on how she juggled her exhausting sporting commitments with her school life, particularly during exam years, and how she recovered from setbacks, such as injury, or perceived failure, giving England’s performance in the Champions League before Rio as an example. It was clear as she spoke that there are many parallels between success in sport and success in other areas of life. Certainly her focus on determination, discipline and drive applies not just to sporting achievements.
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.
Daffodil Dhayaa, 1st XI Captain
After this, she met with an invited group of our talented sports players, from across all sporting disciplines. She led a Q&A session answering questions from Bancroftians about her career, her aspirations, her influences and her training. Pupils were keen to be photographed with Shona with her medal. Shona also took time to give advice on an individual basis to players who are currently working their way through the England hockey system and hope to follow in her footsteps. Captain of our girls’ 1st hockey XI, Daffodil Dhayaa even persuaded Shona to allow her to try on the medal, which weighs in at 500g.
