YOUNGSTERS from two Barnet schools joined a local Olympic hopeful to mark the 500 days to go before the London games, yesterday.

Triple jumper Nadia Williams, a member of the Barnet Shaftesbury Harriers athletics club, gave a masterclass to 40 school children at Copthall Stadium in Mill Hill, a potential training venue.

The English champion competed in last year’s Commonwealth games, coming sixth, and is sponsored by Greenwich Leisure which runs the stadium.

Pupils from St Paul’s and Dollis Junior Schools took part in a wide range of Olympic-style activities ranging from triple jump, javelin and sprints and had the opportunity to win medals and certificates.

Ms Williams said: “The London Olympics is now just around the corner, making it so very important to get more and more pupils involved in the take up of physical activity, as well as becoming a part of the legacy.

“Holding such an event at the stadium will give the children of Barnet an opportunity to take part in an Olympic themed event and entice them to start following the build up to the games and get involved.“