We were delighted to welcome back our former pupil Jonny Brownlee to Richmond House last week. World and Olympic Champion Triathlete, Jonny, who attended Richmond House School with brother Alistair in the ‘90s returned to the school to visit pupils and inspire them ahead of their House Christmas Cross Country Competition.

Jonny was treated to a rapturous welcome by the Year 1 and 2 children and then led an assembly for the older children. Jonny spoke about his time at Richmond House School, his memories of winning a conker competition and delivering milk to the younger classes and talked about how he first got involved in triathlon.

The children quizzed him about the places he has visited, challenges he has experienced and his favourite memories of RHS. Much to the delight of all the children, he had even brought along his Olympic gold medal that he won in Tokyo this year. The children were amazed by the thought that he had once sat in the same assembly hall as they do now, and were inspired by his words and advice around overcoming obstacles and never giving up.

Chris Bouckley, Headmaster of Richmond House School said; “It is not often you get the chance to welcome a world class gold-medal winning athlete into your school but it was truly inspirational for our children to see Jonny, who started his sporting life on the playing fields of Richmond House School, it really was a memorable day for all of them.”