OLYMPIC Gold Medal winner Isabel Newstead visited Larkswood Junior School in Chingford, to talk about overcoming her illness, which left her confined to a wheelchair.

Ms Newstead, who won the 2000 Sydney Paralympics Ladies air pistol, showed the children a video of her winning moment, and let them try on the hat, ear muffs, eye patch, and pistol holder.

Pupils heard how the athlete coped with personal tragedy, and how she was determined to succeed in life.

Children could wear and touch the gold medal and were very interested in what the 47-year-old athlete had to say about problems, how to overcome them, and not giving up. She encouraged the pupils to persevere with their talents.

PICS: From left to right, Lewis Anderson, Bonnie Hawkins, Alexandra Copley, Isabel Newstead, Mitchell Williams and George Martin.

July 9, 2002 12:30