AN OLYMPIC athlete inspired students from a Basingstoke school when she talked to them about her career.

Jeanette Kwakye, who competed in the 100-metre sprint at the 2008 Beijing Games, spoke to students at a Young Ambassadors’ Regional Conference, held at Solent Univer-sity, in Southampton.

A group of pupils from Year 9 and 10 at Brighton Hill Community School attended the event.

The conference, organised by Youth Sports Trust, was attended by young ambassadors from across Hampshire, and was aimed at inspiring them to encourage participation in sports, as part of their role.

The Young Ambassador programme was set up as a legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Ambassadors are chosen because of their sporting talent, and are given the role to lead sport at their schools.

Debbie Costen, Brighton Hill’s primary liaison administrator and student leadership officer, said: “It is a huge achievement to be selected as a young ambassador, which recognises the hard work and commitment of these students.

“The purpose of attending the conference was to inspire them even further in their role so they can continue to make a positive difference to the other students with whom they work when back at Brighton Hill.

“Who better to motivate them than a former Olympian? Jeanette was excellent – they were all rather in awe of her.”

Jeanette, who has announced her retirement, spoke about how she discovered her talent after being encouraged by a PE teacher to participate in athletics.

Student ambassadors also attended sessions about personal development and how to lead their generation, before sharing their thoughts and ideas with each other.