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Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold visits Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, in Buckland Road, to meet pupils and take over a PE class

By: James Walker

Published: 00:00, 26 March 2014

Updated: 14:37, 26 March 2014

Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold received a hero’s welcome when she returned to her old school on Tuesday.

Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, in Buckland Road,formed a guard of honour to greet her when she arrived at 1.30pm.

While there the 25-year-old, who was head girl in 2006-07, took over a PE lesson and spent time giving motivational talks to packed classrooms where students also got the chance to see her Olympic medal and try on the her equipment.

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Lizzy Yarnold brought her medal for pupils to see
Lizzy Yarnold signing autographs on arrival

To further celebrate her success the school plans to create the Lizzy Yarnold Sporting Award, which will be awarded to three pupils each year.

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Lizzy told the Kent Messenger: “It didn’t feel weird being back, it’s totally feels normal. A lot of the buildings are exactly the same and it brings back a lot of very good memories.

It’s been a pleasure, a lot of the teachers are the same, which is lovely. If I can defend my title again it would be great to come back here in four years.

“Some of these girls are very talented athletes already. The questions they asked me were great and I loved talking to them.

“When I left I was given an award which said I was most likely to go to the Olympics. To now have an award under my own name is a very, very big deal and it’s an honour for me.”

Lizzy Yarnold posed with the girls once the class was finished
Lizzy Yarnold giving pupils an in class presentation
Lizzy Yarnold leading a PE lesson

Head teacher Mary Smith said it was fabulous having the ex pupil back again.

“It’s been fabulous having her. The girls were very excited about seeing her. To have her come here so soon after her success is fantastic.

“She gave incredibly inspiring answers to the girl’s questions and I think she will inspire several of our students,” she added.

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