UPWOOD Primary School s athletes of the future got a jump start on their rivals when former Commonwealth gold medallist Larry Achike visited last week. Achike, Commonwealth triple-jump champion in 1998, took a masterclass where pupils learned about the di

UPWOOD Primary School's athletes of the future got a jump start on their rivals when former Commonwealth gold medallist Larry Achike visited last week.

Achike, Commonwealth triple-jump champion in 1998, took a masterclass where pupils learned about the discipline and hard work needed to be a successful athlete on the world stage.

Achike visited as part of the Super Schools initiative, which aims to take top athletes to 2012 schools by the London 2012 Olympic Games, raising funds and awareness for talented junior athletes. At the end of the session pupils signed a Union Jack flag that team Super School athletes are taking from school to school to promote the Games.

PE co-ordinator Alyshia Cox, said the visit had been enjoyed by pupils from Reception class all the way through to Year 6.

"It was a great chance to meet a top athlete - the pupils took part in a training routine, listened intently to Larry when he spoke about his time in athletics and asked some really searching questions in the open forum.

"The day was very worthwhile, the organisation on the day was excellent and our pupils certainly benefited from the visit.