It was with great excitement that members of Cobham Hall’s school community tuned in to the Olympic Games last week. History was being made as the School’s first Olympian competed.
Kate French, a Deputy Guardian during her time at school, came sixth in the Modern Pentathlon, and we could not be more thrilled to see her compete, and do so well. Kate put in strong, consistent performances, notably winning the show jumping discipline.
Those who knew her at school were sure she would one day represent her country, and it was with great joy that old school friends could be spotted in the audience at Rio. Kate, originally from Meopham, left Cobham Hall after completing Sixth Form and headed to the University of Bath; home to the Modern Pentathlon National Training Centre.
In 2015, Kate returned to her old school to give a talk to current students. Kate was a hit with the girls, who found her talk inspiring and honest. Kate spoke of her ambitions to compete at the Olympic Games in Rio, and her determination was clear for all to see.
Headmaster Mr Mitchell was thrilled to see Kate do so well. “I am absolutely delighted and very pleased that all her hard work has paid off with such a wonderful result. To cope with all the pressure and expectation in her first Olympic Games was very impressive, particularly in a sport that requires as much mental toughness and discipline as physical ability.”
As a Round Square school, Cobham Hall aims to encourage all students to discover there is more in them than they think, and develop all aspects of themselves, including skills such as resilience, determination and perseverance. It’s a joy to see those same traits in our Elders, especially on so grand a stage as the Olympic Games.