THE Olympics felt even closer for youngsters at an Abingdon school yesterday when a world champion rower paid them a visit.

Toby Garbett, who took part in the Olympic Games in Athens and Sydney and has won two world championship gold medals, appeared at John Mason School.

Mr Garbett spoke to the children about the determination and skills needed to succeed above the odds, and then took questions from them.

Last night he said to the Oxford Mail: “Today’s visit to John Mason School was very inspirational for me.

“It started off, as these things often do, with the pupils being quiet but by the end of the day they were all fully engaged and having a great time.

“It is great for me to see the impact athletes such as myself can have on the young people in secondary schools using our sports skills.”

Mr Garbett’s visit was part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport programme with the Youth Sport Trust.

The scheme aims to inspire youngsters through stories of sporting achievement.