Sarah-Jane Nichols inspires future BMX riders at The Priory

Sarah-Jane Nichols, who won a silver medal at the World Championships in the US last month, was delighted to return to her alma mater at The Priory School in Monk Sherbourne, which she attended from 1975 to 1981,

"It was extra special to be asked to do this at this school," she said.

"The school has changed in size but still has a very special feel about it and I was made very welcome by all the pupils and staff.

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Sarah-Jane Nichols and headteacher Matthew Walsh with young BMX riders George Lennard, Jessie Scardifield, Joey Scardifield, Arthur Mason and Otto Mason (Image: Newsquest) The Bramley resident, now 54, became a seven-time British, four-time European, and one-time World BMX champion in her teenage years before she quit the sport.

She returned to BMX last year after a 35-year hiatus.

In her presentation, Sarah-Jane shared her experiences of BMX racing during the 1980s and highlighted the differences between the sport then and now.

The presentation featured a slideshow of her achievements, including racing clips from the 1980s and contemporary footage, which offered a unique historical perspective on BMX racing.

A particularly exciting moment came when five pupils who currently race BMX at Andover BMX Club at national and regional levels brought in their bikes to the presentation.

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Sarah-Jane complemented this by bringing her original 1980s BMX bike, allowing the pupils to compare the evolution of BMX bikes over the decades.

"The pupils had plenty of ‘hands up’ and questions to ask me at the end," Sarah-Jane said.

"With quite a few of them saying they want to give BMX a go, which would be amazing."

She concluded the assembly by presenting the school with a signed print, leaving a lasting memento of her visit.