PUPILS enjoyed a visit from an Olympic athlete as part of their sports day event.

Sprinter and Sochi 2014 men’s bobsleigh bronze medallist Joel Fearon was special guest at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Pickering.

Children were able to ask Joel about his career as an athlete and his training ahead of Tokyo 2020 and despite rain showers halting the games, they enjoyed some playground sprints with the athlete.

Head teacher Gerard Eddy said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have Joel in school talking to the pupils about what it takes to be an Olympian.

“He spoke of the values we hold high in school and inspired the children to persevere and achieve their dreams. The children were particularly excited to compete against an Olympian.”

Joel, who began his athletics career at 16, said: “I was very impressed with the questions the children asked me. They were superb and the children were genuinely interested throughout my visit.

“I enjoyed being part of their day and I hope I have encouraged them to believe in themselves and to achieve their dreams.”

Joel’s visit was thanks to Persimmon Homes Teesside and the company’s partnership with Team GB.

Jane Lockhart, field sales manager for Persimmon Homes Teesside, said: “Persimmon Homes is keen to put something back into the communities in which we are building. The pupils and staff at St Joseph’s were so enthusiastic about the day and it was a pleasure to be able to visit along with Joel as part of our partnership with Team GB.

“The children were interested in Joel’s path to becoming an Olympic athlete, and who knows, he may have inspired some athletes of the future.”