Gold Medalist, Emily Craig, Returns to The Mead

The children were thrilled to welcome Emily Craig back to The Mead. A former pupil herself, Emily returned twenty years after her school days to share her incredible journey of becoming a gold medalist in the women’s doubles lightweight rowing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The excitement was palpable as she recounted her experiences and achievements.

After her inspiring talk, the children eagerly asked her a wide range of questions, from, “Did you see any fish?” to the more serious, “How did you get into rowing?” and “How do you decide who sits where in the boat?” Emily answered each question thoughtfully, giving the students a glimpse into the world of professional rowing. They even got to see her gold medal, an awe-inspiring moment for everyone.

The experience was truly magical, reinforcing the importance of believing in oneself, dreaming big and bouncing back from setbacks. Emily’s story showed the children that with dedication and hard work, even the loftiest dreams are achievable.

Emily also enjoyed a nostalgic tour of The Mead, marvelling at how the school had changed and grown since her time as a child. Her visit left a lasting impression, inspiring the next generation to pursue their passions with the same determination and resilience.