A RECORD-breaking athlete who turned from the running track to the ice track paid an inspirational visit to pupils.

Children at Harwell Primary School yesterday welcomed double Olympian Montell Douglas, who once held the British 100 metres record.

She is one of few athletes to have competed in both the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics, having competed in 2008 as a sprinter and this year in the bobsleigh.

Harwell headteacher Bryn Gibson said: “She is a fabulous role model for the children.

“She has not had an easy journey and has had bumps along the way.”

He said this reflected the school’s core values, one of which is ‘resilience’.

The athlete joined pupils for a jog before class, then shared her story during assembly.

Mr Gibson said: “She showed a couple of videos of her competing in the bobsleigh and there was a round of applause from the children when she went down successfully the first time.

“There was a very sweet moment when she showed a video that was not as successful, there were some gasps from the children, but she picked herself up again.

“It was a wonderful message.”

The Team GB sportswoman visited the school on Thursday and yesterday, as part of a week of activities at Harwell focussing on being healthy.