A DOUBLE Olympic gold medallist has visited a school in Ferndown, showcasing his medals and awarding two pupils.

Ferndown First School welcomed Giles Scott MBE to a special assembly to award two pupils with the title ‘Sports Ambassadors’ for the 2021/22 school year.

Decorated sailor Giles brought his medals to show the children and spent time answering their questions they had written as part of a school project.

The two new Sports Ambassadors, Poppy Smart and Harry Parker, are both in Year 4 and were nominated by their teachers. As Sports Ambassadors they will spend the year working with their school sports teams, encouraging the whole school to participate in sports activities and events.

Bournemouth Echo: Giles Scott MBE with the two Sports Ambassadors, Poppy Smart and Harry Parker Giles Scott MBE with the two Sports Ambassadors, Poppy Smart and Harry Parker

Giles has a close connection to Ferndown First School and strongly supported the Sports Ambassador award, which was created in memory of Andrew Simpson – a fellow Olympic medallist who died in 2013.

Andrew was described as “a friend of the school” and had visited several times with Sir Ben Ainslie.

Headteacher Jo Di-Pede said: “It has been wonderful to welcome Giles to Ferndown First School today. As part of our school values, we encourage every child to aspire to achieve their dreams. Giles' success helps the children understand that anything is possible, if you work hard.

“Giles knew Andrew Simpson both professionally and personally, so to have Giles here today feels as though we have gone full circle.”

Team GB sailor Giles won the Olympic gold medal for the men's Finn competition two tournaments in a row in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.