PE at Marston: Sam Ruddock

Sam - a Para Olympic athlete came to visit us and talk to us about his sporting journey so far.His visit was arranged through Inspire+ and Chris Graves brought him to talk to KS 2 .Sam outlined his life story, telling us about being born early( after 6 months) and his mum being told he may not survive. He did but was told he had cerebral palsy and would not walk. Again-he did!
Sam told us all about how he never gave up, even though he fell over a lot as his legs were so weak, how he was determined to join in sport and do his best , how others inspired him( e.g.Don-the Rock Johnson ).He went to Loughborough to study PE and became part of the ACES American Football Team.Here he was talent spotted and became part of the 2012 sprint team. In the para Olympic games he came 4th- not bad for someone who was told they would not walk!
Now he has discovered he is better at shot put and is already ranked 4th in the world and Sam is looking forward to Rio.He has promised to let us know how he gets on..

Sam introducing himself and telling us his story.

Testing our reactions-clap when the tennis ball bounces-not that easy! 3 strikes and we were out!

Showing us his Olympic kit ( not a Onesie from Sainsbury's as someone said!). Recounting how proud his mum was and how much he had grown from a tiny baby-his head the size of a tennis ball- to an Olympic athlete representing his country .

Sam showing us the video of his race.

Turn round, speak to your ghost- a friendly ghost-the ghost of you and what you have just done, greet yourself,say hello, how are you? how was today? well just you wait until tomorrow-you just see what I will do...

A motivational way to get us all to think about what has just happened and what opportunities lie ahead.