Olympic hero wins Respect

THE magic of the Olympics has captivated a group of schoolchildren who met swimming hero Jessica Sylvester.

Two classes from Hillside Primary School were able to quiz the freestyle athlete who competed in Beijing.

Jessica, aged 21, grew up in Cheddleton but now lives in Nottingham where she is a professional swimmer, training for the London 2012 games.

She visited the school in Baddeley Green yesterday to inspire youngsters to live healthy lives as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Respect action day in the area.

Jessica was part of the swimming quartet which finished seventh in the 4×100m relay and broke the British record.

Speaking to the youngsters she said: "It all started when I was young like you. I was only five when my mum dragged me along to swimming club.

"When I was nine I entered my first competition, and when I was 13 I was competing at national level. In 2006 I had my first international call up when I went to Budapest.

"Since then I have travelled the world with my swimming, going to places like Japan, Spain and America, and I'm enjoying it because I am doing something that I love.

"The Olympics was the best experience of my life. I was away from home for five weeks and I watched my best friend Becky Adlington win two gold medals. I also met sports celebrities like Rafael Nadal."

Deputy head Ann Davies, said: "It really was lovely for the children to see someone local who has achieved so much.

"She made it very clear she has got there through a lot of hard work and determination. We are promoting healthy eating in the school and I think Jessica has been a real inspiration for the children because now they know she is an ordinary person just like them."

Jessica is currently studying biochemistry at Nottingham University but has taken a year out to focus on her training.

She is the first sports person to take part in one of the council's Respect action days.

Skipping sessions were also provided in Baddeley Green and the council's environmental teams cleaned the area and removed graffiti.

Staffordshire Police also took part with a mobile station moving round the neighbourhood throughout the day offering advice and help.

Councillor Joan Bell, portfolio holder for community safety, said: "To have someone who has achieved so much and represented her country at the Olympics helping to promote our message is fantastic."