Sidmouth College pupils have been given words of motivation by an Olympic gold medallist to help them in their exam preparations. Ben Hunt-Davis won gold for Britain at the Sydney games in 2000 as part as the men’s eight rowing team. He visited the school as part of its character project scheme.

The motivational speaker told pupils from years 10, 11 and the sixth form about his journey into the sport and his determination not to give up.

Since retiring from the sport, the rower has worked as a member of the British Olympic Committee and has released a book entitled Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?

Sidmouth College principal Kenny Duncan said: “The key focus of the talk was, on the surface, about sporting endeavour and thinking outside the box to get marginal gains through raw endurance, but the students also took from the session the importance of character.

“In particular, the importance of resilience - bounce-back-ability, the importance of identifying the things you can do and finding the strength and confidence to do them better – being bold, decisive and determined.

“Students recognised that strong character traits bring better outcomes, more success, wider opportunities and a fuller life.”

Ben also visited The King’s School and Axe Valley College.