A gold medallist sportsman put children at our school through their paces when he paid a special visit last week.

And pupils also raised more than £2,500 when they met Invictus athlete Richard Potter, who tested their resolve with a fitness circuit which they thoroughly enjoyed. 

They were sponsored to take part in the session and the funds raised will be split between the school and the Great Athletes charity, which is behind the initiative.

Richard served in the armed forces for 11 years and won gold at the Invictus Games in Germany in 2023. He had a leg amputated after an injury - but can still cover 100m in just 13 seconds.

He also took an assembly with a question and answer session from the children – who discovered he has no less than more than 10 different types of prosthetic legs, which have different functions, from running and swimming to cycling and rowing.

“Visits like this are invaluable to our school community. Richard’s story of adversity and determination was simply inspirational and his motto of ‘always aim high’ is a fantastic message to help raise aspirations,” said Assistant Headteacher, Mr Ryan.

“It was wonderful for the children to meet an accomplished athlete who was able to share his message of determination and resilience.”

Among the questions from children at the school was one which asked about phantom limb pains – and Richard said his brain still tells him his missing leg is still there.

“The great athletes' visit was really a really enjoyable experience and really encouraged high aspirations. He made you realise you can do anything,” said one pupil.

Originally from the West of Ireland, Richard lives in Old Catton, near Norwich and also serves on Broadland District Council. He lost his leg after an ankle injury resulted in sepsis, but he found a new path in sport in both athletics and indoor rowing.

He won gold in the 100m and silver in table tennis along with bronze for the relay during the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany. He is also a member of the organisation’s Great Athletes initiative to help children be more physically active.

Richard also undertook one of the world’s toughest treks in 2024 when he and Rich Davis, who is also a below-the-knee amputee and ex-serviceman, took on the 220-mile Snowman Trek in Bhutan. It was the first time that anyone with a disability attempted the challenge, and he said it was the most difficult thing he had ever undertaken and was ‘absolutely sapping’.