Lola Anderson, a former pupil (Class of 2016) and now an Olympic Gold medallist from the Paris 2024 Games, returned to School yesterday to share her journey and inspire the next generation. Lola, who is also a World Champion, European Champion, and a recipient of the Sunday Times Sportswomen Team of the Year Award, started rowing at Surbiton High School at the age of 13. She was inspired by her family members and wanted to try something new with her friends.
During her visit yesterday, Lola humorously recalled winning the unofficial prize for the most successful at capsizing when she first embarked on the sport. She emphasized three key attributes necessary for her success in rowing:
- Physical Power and Physiology: The importance of having the physical strength and the right physiological attributes to excel in the sport.
- Technique: The need to master the skills and tools required to deliver top performance.
- Mental Toughness: The approach of focusing not on the outcome but on giving your best performance at any given moment.
She also spoke about the importance of working with a team and maintaining self-discipline before recounting the preparation for the big race and how she felt once it was confirmed they had won Gold. What next for Lola? Four years training towards the next Olympics in Los Angeles – taking one day at a time!
We were so fortunate to have had Lola Anderson visit the School. She led an exciting assembly and Q&A, sharing her story about being a former Surbiton High School pupil, how she began rowing, and her life now as a professional athlete. Lola shared her weekly schedule and divulged information about her nutrition plan to ensure she fuels enough to fulfil her training schedule.
Lola also took part in a fitness session with Year 3 and recorded a podcast with the Sports Captains and Mrs McCabe-Arnold. The pupils were thrilled to hold her Olympic Gold medal and be part of such a memorable experience.
It is always wonderful to welcome our alumnae back to School and Lola’s confident and powerful talk was truly inspirational to all pupils and staff who listened, leaving them motivated and eager to pursue their own dreams, both in sports and beyond.
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Categories: Alumni Whole School