Olympic athlete Emma Lonsdale inspired Settle Primary School children to follow their dreams Em, who recently returned from competing in the Sochi Winter Olympics in the ski half pipe, visited the school and gave the pupils a fascinating insight into life as an Olympian and shared her Sochi story.

Headteacher Richard Wright said: “Staff and children were enthralled by Em’s life story.

“From Langcliffe to Sochi, a dream realised through hard work, determination and a great deal of talent.

“Em is living proof that if you work hard enough you can live your dream.”

Em, who lives in Langcliffe, went to Langcliffe Primary School, Settle Middle School and Settle College. She was introduced to skiing at an early age and has dreamed of competing in the Winter Olympics since being a tot. A multiple British champion and currently in the top 15 in the world, Em has worked three jobs at once to fund her training and bid to make it to Sochi when her sport was included in the Olympics for the first time.

Mr Wright said: “The children were utterly inspired. They queued across the hall to get her autograph after her talk and what was extra encouraging for us was the number of girls in particular aspiring to Em’s achievements as at Settle Primary School we are currently having a focus on girls’ sports.

“It was particularly interesting to see the ski equipment and memorabilia which Em brought with her to show the children, and a video of her and her team mates having fun in Sochi. We would like to congratulate Em on her achievements and thank her for giving up her time to come and visit us and provide our children with a lasting memory of an Olympic experience and sportsmanship at its best.”