The whole school had a wonderful surprise on Thursday 8 November when our hero, Peter Wilson (Old Hazlegrovian), the Olympic Gold medallist in Double Trap Shotgun (Shooting) came in to surprise us.
His parents and girlfriend, Michelle McCullagh, had organised everything and only a few people knew that he was coming
.
The Prep School had been told to go to assembly at the most unusual time of 11.00am. Many of the children said that they thought that someone must have done something terrible and that the whole school was in real trouble!
You could hear a pin drop in the Theatre and the children sat like statues. Mr Fenwick walked in and the whole school rose to its feet.
There was a pause, and then Peter Wilson walked in with his Team GB tracksuit top on. It was instantly recognisable to the children and the moment they caught sight of him, they broke into unrehearsed, spontaneous applause.
Peter told the children all about his story from being a sport loving, dyslexic child at Hazlegrove to being World Champion.
He told them how he’d had to work really hard because of his dyslexia, he had originally loved squash, but a snowboarding accident gave him such a severe injury that he couldn’t play and was advised, by a physiotherapist, to take up shooting to strengthen the damaged muscles.
He stressed the importance of doing your best, working through the ups and downs of life and most of all to enjoy your school days. He spoke to everyone with great charm and thoughtfulness.
Some of the children said it was the best day of their lives. A huge crowd gathered round Peter when he left the Theatre and he let some children hold his medal and a few lucky ones were even allowed to wear it.
One child (and one teacher!) said that their heart nearly stopped when he spoke to them.
It was a fantastic morning and we were lucky to meet such a charismatic star.
We know that we will hear lots more about our famous ex-pupil in the years to come and we wish him all the best for the future.