Sir Steve Redgrave Unveils Latymer Upper School's Sports Centre

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"Sports could teach ... how to win graciously alongside the harder lesson of how to lose"

Latymer Upper and Latymer Prep School celebrated the official opening of the Sports Centre with five time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, who unveiled the Foundation Stone of the building this today (2 September).

A full school assembly was then treated to a heartfelt speech by Sir Steve in which he praised Latymer for both the excellent facilities on offer to its pupils and community partners, and the importance the school places on sport within its curriculum.

He told pupils that sports could teach valuable lessons in life; how to win graciously alongside the harder lesson of how to lose; how to be a strong leader as well as how to be a reliable team member; and the importance of hard work in being able to meet ambitious goals.

Sir Steve went on to share a personal memory with the assembly when, as a child watching the Munich Olympic Games on television in 1972, he saw swimmer Mark Spitz win seven gold medals. This proved to be an inspirational moment for the then 10 year old who wished that one day he might also be standing on the podium to receive a medal. Five Olympic gold medals later, Sir Steve has proved that ambition and a lot of hard work can make dreams a reality.

The Head, David Goodhew, reminded the gathered assembly of Sir Steve’s connection to our school. The late Latymerian Andy Holmes (Class of 1978) had rowed with Sir Steve in two Olympic Games, winning Gold in the Men’s Coxed Fours in 1984 and the Men’s Coxless Pairs in 1988 – a huge achievement for which the School is tremendously proud. Also present at the assembly was Andy’s wife, Gabrielle, who has generously donated Andy’s Olympic blade to Latymer.

September 2, 2016