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Not many people get to hold an Olympic gold medal. But six students, each chosen by their teachers as having done something outstanding, were selected to be photographed with Lord Harris’ Olympic gold medal yesterday. 

Lord Harris had a lifelong ambition to win an Olympic gold, and this dream was finally achieved in the 2012 games when his horse, Hello Sanctos, was part of the men’s quartet which took showjumping gold. This was the first Team GB showjumping gold for 60 years and Harris said that he “hoped the team’s win would inspire children.”

Meet the six

Here are the six exceptional students pictured with the medal, as well as a short explanation of why they were chosen.

Safiyyah is captain of the winning year 10 handball squad and is described by her PE teacher as having “unrivalled focus and determination”.

 

 

 

Ganiyat arrived from Nigeria only recently with a very low level of English and we are very proud of her progress, as well as the way that she has adapted to her new school.

 

 

 

When Katie's mother went into labour unexpectedly, Katie acted heroically and helped to deliver her baby sister. She received instructions on the phone from a midwife and successfully helped her mother give birth at home. She admits she was “really scared” and says she does not want to pursue a career in midwifery!

 

 

Nimra has made great progress in drama, going from a C/D borderline to a top B grade in a very short amount of time. This impressive progress was partly due to her dedication in voluntarily attending after school sessions, as well as pestering her teacher to put on more sessions (which of course they did!). Well done Nimra.

 

 

Halima consistently demonstrates excellent focus and attitude in art workshops. She's been singled out as someone who listens and acts on advice quickly. Halima also played an important role in the recent art regeneration of local business Suzanne James Caterers following a break in. 

 

 

Shaneil was rewarded for showing determination in revising for her maths exams, regularly completing challenging extension work and continuing to work hard straight after the exam in preparation for the next tests. Great work Shaneil!

 

 

Inspire

These six girls will undoubtedly remember holding a real London 2012 Olympic gold medal for many years to come, and the experience will hopefully inspire them to continue being outstanding.

Although Lord Harris has a passion for horses, he also said: “If you asked me whether I’d choose my schools before my showjumping, there would be no contest. One is helping change the lives of 20,000 children, the other is just my pleasure.”

Watch Hello Sanctos riding a clear run for Team GB at the equestrian arena in Greenwich. The rider is Scott Brash.