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County Durham Olympian returns to old school with medal in hand
County Durham Olympian Lauren Irwin said it was "incredible" to return to her former school with a medal in hand.
Irwin, who won an Olympic bronze medal in the women's eight rowing team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is a former student at St Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College student.
Making an emotional visit to her old school to inspire the current students, she spoke about how her PE teacher's encouragement led her to take up rowing.
She said: "It's been incredible bringing back a bronze medal, seeing my PE teacher has just been a full circle moment."
Her former PE teacher, Gemma Brown, was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing Lauren again.
Ms Brown said: "I’m really, really proud, it’s not very often as a PE teacher you can say, I’ve taught an Olympic athlete."
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The visit included a question and answer session where students asked the Olympian about her journey to becoming a medallist, the challenges she faced, and the mindset needed to achieve greatness.
Mrs Cessford, head teacher of St Bede’s, praised the Olympian for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit her former school.
She said: "We are incredibly proud of Lauren and the example she has set for our students.
"Lauren is proof that with determination and passion, anything is possible."
The visit was met with enthusiasm from both students and staff.
Lauren said: "It's really special to bring back a medal and hopefully inspire the younger generation."
