“Absolutely critical, I mean I first triple jumped in a school PE lesson, went on to represent my school and then my county. I won the English Schools in 1984 as an 18 year old and I think if I hadn’t of won that then I never would’ve embarked upon a career in athletics.”

Q2 - What are you individual thoughts on the UKSG?

“I think the UK School Games are great, having a multi-sporting event a bit like the Olympics at that age is a great experience for young people and will enthuse and excite them about sport. The whole social and community aspect is really positive and give the athletes a great experience and one which will keep them in sport for many years to come, whether or not they go on to be champions or not.”

Q3 - What advice would you give to anyone taking part in UKSG?

“I wouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself, I didn’t take athletics seriously until I was about 21. So I would go, enjoy the experience, do as well as you can do and don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work out in the way that you want it to.  What I’ve learnt over the years is that you can have your bad days and yes you’re disappointed.  However, the world doesn’t end and you just have to pick yourself up and go on again and that’s part of life, it’s part of sport, is overcoming disappointment, so go and have a great time but don’t beat yourself up if it goes badly.”

Q4 - Can you give the athletes any advice in preparation of this big multi sport event?

“When I went to my first Olympics I didn’t know what to expect and it was slightly overwhelming.  Be aware that it is going to be different and you might feel a little bit overwhelmed, but in the end you can’t really prepare yourself for something you haven’t been through before, so I just wouldn’t worry too much about it and have fun!”