Former gold medallist high jumper Dalton Grant returned to Hackney this week to help a group of schoolchildren prepare for the London Youth Games finals at Crystal Palace this weekend.

Pupils from Lauriston Primary School were put through their paces by Commonwealth gold medallist Grant, who competed for Hackney as a youngster himself at the London Youth Games in the early 1980s.

Grant, who enjoyed a glittering career which included appearances at three Olympic Games, talked to around 200 pupils about his time in athletics and his memories of the Youth Games at a special school assembly, before leading a training session with the team who will be taking part this weekend.

The London Youth Games, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, is Europe’s largest annual youth sports festival with over 120,000 young people from all 33 London Boroughs taking part in this year’s competition, including around 7,000 expected to take part in the finals weekend at Crystal Palace.

Grant said: “The London Youth Games was where it all started for me on my journey to becoming a world-class athlete so it was great to come to Hackney and give something back.

Hackney Gazette: Dalton Grant helps pupils from Hackney's Lauriston Primary School ahead of their trip to the London Youth Games finals (pic Kay Fackrell)Dalton Grant helps pupils from Hackney's Lauriston Primary School ahead of their trip to the London Youth Games finals (pic Kay Fackrell) (Image: Archant)

“I was quite shy when I was young and getting involved in sport and the London Youth Games helped me with my confidence and resilience and gave me self-belief. Hopefully it can do the same for these kids.”

Terry Corpe, head of Lauriston Primary School, added, “It was fantastic to have Dalton here to share his memories and stories of the London Youth Games and his career at the top of world athletics – our children were so excited and it was truly inspiring for them to meet him.

“Our London Youth Games team could not wish for better preparation as they head to Crystal Palace this week.”

Lauriston Primary School will be taking part in the Quad Kids finals event, which includes 600 metres, 80 metres sprint, standing long jump and the vortex throw, after the opening ceremony on Thursday.

Over 5,000 young people from Hackney have been involved in this year’s Games with all 14 secondary schools in the borough represented and Hackney tops the Jubilee Trophy standings going into the finals weekend.