Former World Champion athlete Colin Jackson opens schools' new £2 million sports centre

The former 110m hurdles world record holder cut the ribbon to the new sports centre, which offers a four full-sized badminton courts, a fully-equipped cardiovascular fitness suite, café area and changing facilities as well as a five-a-side football pitch.

Pupils at the school took part in a 24-hour inter-house cyclothon in the new sports centre to mark the official opening.

Mr Jackson, who won a silver medal at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, said: “I am very pleased as a former international sportsman to see Pitsford School’s new sporting facilities.

“The key thing about being a role model is helping make the dream happen by being motivated. I looked after Usain Bolt when he was 15- years old and he asked me what it was like to be a champion.

“I thought about what inspired me every day to be the best I could be. It is important to learn from your mistakes; not everything you do is perfect. “When I was trying to win an Olympic Gold Medal, the qualifying round was easy and so I didn’t bother warming up for the next round.

“As I hadn’t prepared, I got injured and although I got through to the final, I finished in seventh place. It was important to learn from that and ask why it happened.

“Preparation for anything you do in life is key. Remember to prepare well and deliver what you are capable of. Make good use of role models around you and ask them what got them to the top of their game.“