Parasport athlete inspires pupils

British parasport athlete Kadeena Cox took time out of her busy Tokyo Olympics schedule to give a talk at St John Fisher Catholic High School to inspire A Level PE pupils with her achievements.

British parasport athlete Kadeena Cox took time out of her busy Tokyo Olympics schedule to give a talk at St John Fisher Catholic High School to inspire A Level PE pupils with her achievements.

Leeds-born former Wetherby High pupil Kadeena competes in the T38 sprint events and C4 para-cycling events.

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After having suffered a stroke in 2014, she was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Since then, she has gone on to become the 400m world record holder and winner of a gold medal at the Rio 2016 games, along with being world champion in multiple events.

Mr Nightingale (who taught Kadeena in his previous teaching post) organised the visit and spoke of his own pride at seeing what Kadeena had achieved, and through her dedication and determination, had inspired him to engage more young people in sport.

Kadeena spoke at length about the challenges she has faced, her gruelling training schedule, leading a celebrity life and setting goals throughout her career.

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A school spokesman said: “In a later socially distanced session with Years 7-10 she was asked by a student who she wanted to beat in a race. Her resounding answer was “myself” - real testimony to how an Olympic athlete thinks.

“Her words really motivated and inspired the students and it was a pleasure to welcome one of the most successful parasport athletes of all time to Harrogate.”

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