We were delighted to welcome former Olympic skier Chemmy Alcott to school for an inspiring and memorable visit that encouraged pupils to embrace challenges, work hard and make the most of every opportunity available to them.

A four-time Olympian and one of Britain’s most successful alpine skiers, Chemmy Alcott shared her remarkable journey from a young athlete with big dreams to competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Today, many families will recognise her as a presenter on BBC’s Ski Sunday. She also works as a brand ambassador for EcoSki, a local company promoting a more sustainable approach to skiing through the rental, repair and resale of ski clothing and equipment, helping to reduce waste and extend the life of outdoor kit.

Speaking to pupils, Chemmy explained how she balanced the demands of school life alongside a rigorous training programme. Despite spending countless hours training, travelling and competing, she remained committed to her studies, achieving excellent A-Level results through discipline, determination and hard work.

A key message throughout her visit was the importance of education and the privilege of being able to learn each day. Chemmy encouraged pupils to appreciate the opportunities that school provides, reminding them that every lesson offers the chance to gain knowledge, develop new skills and discover new interests.

Drawing on her experiences as an elite athlete, Chemmy shared some of the setbacks and challenges she encountered along the way. She encouraged pupils to adopt a positive mindset when things do not go to plan, explaining one of the lessons that had guided her throughout her career: “You never fail – you either win or you learn.” Her message resonated strongly with the children, reminding them that mistakes and disappointments can often be our greatest teachers.

The children were particularly inspired by Chemmy’s advice about courage and stepping outside their comfort zones. She spoke about the importance of facing challenges, even when they feel daunting. Rather than seeing nerves as something negative, she encouraged pupils to view them positively, explaining that those butterflies in your stomach are your body clapping for you and encouraging you to try something new. It was a wonderful reminder that feeling nervous often means we are being brave and challenging ourselves to grow.

Chemmy also spoke passionately about the environment and the impact of climate change. Having spent much of her life in the mountains, she explained that skiers have a “front row seat” to the effects of climate change, witnessing changing weather patterns, shrinking snow coverage and the impact these changes can have on mountain environments. She shared how these experiences have inspired her to use her platform to raise awareness of environmental issues and to support more sustainable choices through her role as an ambassador for EcoSki.

The children enjoyed a lively question-and-answer session. They asked thoughtful questions about her training routines, favourite moments from competition, life as an Olympian and how she remained motivated through injuries and setbacks. Chemmy’s honest and engaging responses provided valuable insight into what it takes to pursue a dream and achieve ambitious goals.

We are incredibly grateful to Chemmy Alcott for taking the time to share her experiences, wisdom and enthusiasm with our pupils. It was an unforgettable visit that will undoubtedly inspire many of our children to pursue their ambitions with courage, determination and curiosity, both in the classroom and beyond.