Olympic and Commonwealth fencer Linda Strachan inspires future generation of athletes

Fencing double Olympian Linda Strachan visited Birchanger Primary School to inspire pupils ahead of their area athletics competition this summer.

The fencer, who represented GB at the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Games and is seven times British national senior champion, brought along with her the Olympic torch she was lucky enough to carry in the build-up to London 2012.

She spoke about her achievements in a special assembly and then pupils were allowed to hold the torch themselves.

Said a school spokeswoman: "Linda also spoke about how she is coaching fencing and working with current members at her Newham Swords Fencing Club who will be competing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July and August."

The sportswoman also visited Howe Green House School in Great Hallingbury where she "inspired many pupils to become future Olympians".