A London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist has been sharing the skills of her trade with students from the University of Chichester.
Alex Danson was part of the medal-winning GB women’s hockey team, scoring in the team’s 3-1 victory against New Zealand in the bronze-medal match.
She visited the University on two consecutive Tuesdays to work with PE students. She spent time answering questions about her Olympic experience and ran coaching sessions and passed on tips the students can use when working in schools.
Senior PE lecturer Alison Wakefield, a former international who Alex lists as her sporting idol on the GB hockey website, said: “The Olympics was watched by so many people, and to have someone who won a medal is a fantastic opportunity for our students.
“Our students could see up-close the level of skill she has, and learn the techniques she uses to coach hockey. Alex made her international debut at the age of 16, so it may be possible that some of our students will be teaching the Alex Dansons of the future.
“They are fortunate to have had this chance, and it is important that they have learnt from her and understood how high the standard is in international hockey.”
Danson said: “It has been great for me to come to Chichester. I was lucky enough to go to the Olympics and win a medal and now I want to try to get into schools and other educational places to coach.”
The visits were a two-way process for Alex, who has a desire to become a PE teacher. She quizzed the students about the course and their experiences of Chichester.
She said: “I want to teach myself, so it has been great to work with students who want to become teachers in the future. This is such a nice community at Chichester and I am always made to feel so welcome when I come here.”
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