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Hockey masterclass in Southall by Olympic gold medalist Hollie Webb

Thu 20 Oct 2016
Olympic gold medalist Hollie Webb gave Ealing students a hockey masterclass during a visit.

The 26-year-old led a skills session with Year 9 pupils at Villiers High School in Southall last Tuesday (11 October 2016).

She also gave a talk to sixth form students on resilience and spoke to younger pupils about the importance of girls playing sport.

Hollie, who fired home the winning penalty in Rio to secure victory for Team GB, said:

"Everyone always asked me 'what was it like to score the penalty' and 'how did you feel' but here the pupils asked really insightful questions.

"They seemed interested in the psychology of being a professional sports person which was really surprising, but in a good way.

"They were also really polite and well mannered and so it was an absolute pleasure to talk to them.

"It's strange to think of myself as a role model because before Rio I obviously wasn't that well known.

"By coming to schools and speaking to students, particularly the girls but boys as well, hopefully they can be inspired to get involved in sport."

Deputy headteacher Phil Masterson, who organised the visit, said Hollie had inspired students.

He added: "Hollie was absolutely fantastic. She told students about how the Team GB Hockey team executed their plan to win Gold.

"To get a first hand account of that amazing Olympic journey was truly fascinating.

"We have very high aspirations for our pupils at Villiers.

"We tell them they can do and be anything they want but hearing it from an Olympic Gold medalist helps them believe it is possible.

Aurora Bhinder-Stokes, 14, from Southall, said: "She let us hold her gold medal which was absolutely incredible. It is really heavy.

"Talking to her I know how hard it is to achieve your goals, how much hard work goes into it. It has inspired me to work hard toward I want in life."

Olympic gold medalist Hollie Webb in Southall

Olympic gold medalist Hollie Webb in Southall


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