Rowing gold medallist Tom Mackintosh, who was a member of the successful New Zealand men’s eight team in Tokyo, returned to the College this week as guest of honour at the annual sports prize giving ceremony. Tom presented the trophies and awards and generously passed his medal around the prize winners who were all amazed at how heavy it is! It was fantastic for boys to see an Old Boy of the College who has achieved one of the highest sporting accolades possible and to learn more about his experiences in Tokyo.

Because of COVID restrictions, only boys receiving awards could attend the prize giving and many of the junior boys were disappointed to have missed out on Tom’s visit. When he realised the situation, Tom generously agreed to return and speak at a junior assembly the next day. At this assembly he told the boys that rowing was the ultimate team sport, relying on complete trust between the members of a team and he encouraged the boys to develop the same levels of trust and team spirit in their own sporting endeavours.

Rector, Mr Stuart Hakeney, thanked Tom for his visits to the College and hoped that some of the current students would be inspired by Tom’s success to aspire to achievements of their own in the sporting arena and beyond.

#olympicgold #oldboysuccess #lifeafterlindisfarne

Article added: Monday 01 November 2021