Gold medalist Montell Douglas gets studies on track at Hendon school

Commonwealth Games champion Montell Douglas visited St Mary's High School to speak to pupils about her career and unveiled a plaque marking the school's entry into an Olympic education programme.

She said: “This gives the kids a chance to get involved and take part in London 2012 and learn about the Olympic values.

“What's really important is that children feel part of the Olympics and this network gives schools the tools to get them interested.”

The British 100m record holder, who won a 4x100m relay gold in India last year, is currently studying for a Masters degree in psychology at Middlesex University in Hendon, as well as training full-time for London 2012.

Her visit came on the day that the schedule for the Games was released, and she will be hoping to make the women's final on August 4.

She added she was finding it “almost impossible” to juggle her commitments, but that she was still looking forward to representing her country next year.

She said: “It's coming soon and it's really hard to prepare for the Olympics – but it's all about time management. There's a lot of pressure on British athletes but if I do well at the World Championships this year it gives me a platform to succeed next year.”

Headteacher of St Mary's High School, Kate Roskell, said she was “delighted” to be accepted into the Olympic Get Set Network, which gives schools special educational resources and priority tickets to events.

She said: “It's a great honour to be a part of this, and we are one of only four schools in Barnet to be accepted. The opportunities that it gives the children are brilliant and it gives them a chance to learn what the Olympics really mean.”

“It really struck me this morning how many of the Olympic values are the same as the values of our school – respect, excellence and friendship.”

Budding athletes at the school are already celebrating success, with Year 7 boys winning gold at the Barnet Schools Indoor Athletics Championships.