Team GB Olympic medallist returns to County Durham school to inspire students

A Team GB Olympic medalist has returned to her County Durham school to inspire the students. Lauren Irwin, a former pupil at St Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College in Peterlee, made an emotional trip back home.

Lauren, who won an Olympic bronze medal in the women’s eight rowing team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, spoke passionately about the help she received from her PE teacher Gemma Brown, who encouraged her to take up rowing while at the school.

She said: "It's been incredible bringing back a bronze medal, and seeing my PE teacher has just been a full circle moment."

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Lauren's former PE teacher Gemma was overwhelmed with emotion seeing Lauren again, saying: "I’m really really proud, it’s not very often as a PE teacher you can say, I’ve taught an Olympic athlete."

The visit also included a question-and-answer session where students had the opportunity to ask the Olympian about her athletic journey, the challenges she faced, and the mindset needed to achieve success.

Mrs Cessford, headteacher of St Bede’s, said: "We are incredibly proud of Lauren and the example she has set for our students. At St Bede’s we strive to inspire and motivate everyone to be the person God intended them to be. Lauren is proof that with determination and passion, anything is possible."

The visit, which was met with enthusiasm from both students and staff, concluded with Lauren offering encouragement to the students, adding: "It’s really special to bring back a medal and hopefully inspire the younger generation."