Olympian bobsleigh star jumps aboard to launch outside gym at Littleborough school

Photo: Alison Dodd Photography

Olympian bobsleigh star Bex Wilson at Smithy Bridge Primary School

Youngsters at a primary school in Littleborough welcomed Manchester’s Olympian bobsleigh star Bex Wilson to celebrate the opening of its outdoor gym this week.

The new Fresh Air Fitness gym at Smithy Bridge Primary School was unveiled by Wilson, who was part of Great Britain’s 2014 Winter Olympics team in Sochi.

The state-of-the-art facility includes a double cross-country skier, air skier, hip twister, t’ai chi spinners, cardio combi and a seated leg press which can be used by pupils in breaktimes and lunchtimes, as well as PE lessons.

Wilson, 28, put the children through their paces before chatting to them afterwards about what it takes to become an Olympian and her sporting achievements. The Mancunian won the World Junior Bobsleigh title as a brakewoman with Paula Walker in the USA in 2011 before they competed in the two-women bobsleigh in the 2014 Games where they finished 12th.

Smithy Bridge Primary School headmaster Chris Crook said: “We are committed to the emotional and physical wellbeing of all of our pupils. Having an outdoor gym area will further complement the school’s range of facilities and services to ensure our children are happy, healthy and thriving.

“Following much research, we invited Fresh Air Fitness to our school and were impressed with their knowledge and passion. The range of equipment suited both our younger and older children.

“The children are excited and very curious about the new gym equipment and keen to further develop their skills. They are also looking forward to the competitive element when using the outdoor gym.”

Tom Willock, Managing Director at Fresh Air Fitness added: “An outdoor gym is a fantastic way to introduce children to exercise and having an Olympian such as Bex Wilson take part in a grand opening is a fantastic way to bring it to life.”