Gold medallist inspires Hartlepool pupils to fulfil their dreams

A Team GB gold medallist inspired a whole school when she got children motivated and moving.
Louise Renicks shows her Commonwealth Judo gold medal to Eskdale Academy pupils Jayden Hague and Faith Holland. Picture by FRANK REIDLouise Renicks shows her Commonwealth Judo gold medal to Eskdale Academy pupils Jayden Hague and Faith Holland. Picture by FRANK REID
Louise Renicks shows her Commonwealth Judo gold medal to Eskdale Academy pupils Jayden Hague and Faith Holland. Picture by FRANK REID

Eskdale Academy welcomed professional judo athlete Louise Renicks who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Louise led all pupils from Years 1 to 6 through a sponsored fitness circuit and gave an inspiring talk to encourage them to follow their dreams.

Eskdale Academy pupil Milissa Hadfield is put through her paces by Commonwealth Judo champion Louise Renicks. Picture by FRANK REIDEskdale Academy pupil Milissa Hadfield is put through her paces by Commonwealth Judo champion Louise Renicks. Picture by FRANK REID
Eskdale Academy pupil Milissa Hadfield is put through her paces by Commonwealth Judo champion Louise Renicks. Picture by FRANK REID
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Teachers said all of the pupils tried their best in the fitness exercise and showed great determination and resilience to be the best they can be.

Overall the school raised a fantastic £1,423.90 and many pupils were rewarded for raising high amounts of sponsorship.

Following the fitness circuit, all pupils were able to see and hold Louise’s gold medal up close.

The afternoon finished with a presentation and talk from Louise where the pupils learned how she fell in love with judo and how important it is to lead a healthily lifestyle.

Eskdale Academy pupils are put through their paces by Commonwealth Judo champion Louise Renicks. Picture by FRANK REIDEskdale Academy pupils are put through their paces by Commonwealth Judo champion Louise Renicks. Picture by FRANK REID
Eskdale Academy pupils are put through their paces by Commonwealth Judo champion Louise Renicks. Picture by FRANK REID
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It included what foods she eats to keep her body performing to the best it can.

Ashleigh Hackwell, PE coordinator at Eskdale Academy, said: “The afternoon was very inspiring, Louise Renicks inspired the pupils and motivated all to keep up the hard work, giving them tips on how to succeed; outlining four key elements, teamwork, responsibility, communication and creativity.

“The role model gave all pupil a feeling of accomplishment and self-belief to strive and aim to achieve their dreams.”

The presentation finished off with pupils firing questions at Louise to answer.

Louise, who is 34, also works as a part time judo coach.