John Harris visited Coed Eva school today with the Torch he carried through Blaenavon on the Olympic Relay. He met classes from reception, year one and year two. The pupils were thrilled to hear his stories and get his autograph. Some managed to shake his hand.
Teacher Claire Fish said: “John talked a bit about himself, why he was in a wheelchair and all the events he’s completed in like the discus, heptathlon and marathons.
“He brought in his gold, silver and bronze medals and also his ‘This is Your Life’ book! The children all had massive smiles though when they got to hold his Olympic Torch and also his medals! Lots of the children asked him questions like ‘what was it like to hold the torch?’ and he said ‘it was such an honour to have been asked!’ Others asked what sports he liked and how many friends he had!
“The best bit was when he showed them how fast he could go in his wheelchair and then he did a wheelie at the end!
“What a lovely man. It was such an honour to have him in our school!
“He is a real inspiration!”
Click here to read why he was nominated to carry the Torch.