Inspirational Olympic champion Duncan Goodhew has won a fresh accolade after being picked as the focus for a primary school project, and rewarded pupils when he popped in for a visit.

The former swimmer, who won gold at the 1980 Olympic Games, was at Kensington Avenue Primary School, Thornton Heath on Tuesday November 15 and officially opened a class renamed in his honour.

Year six teacher Kasia Fowle picked the swimmer, who suffers from dyslexia and alopecia universalis, which causes all over body hair loss, as her Olympian for her class to study.

She said: “I chose Goodhew as he is a positive male role model who has overcome great difficulties in his life. I wanted the children to learn about someone who was motivated and positive in order to maintain our school ethos, that with positivity and hard work you can achieve anything.”

“The children have really enjoyed learning about him and sharing their information with others. The boys have found him very inspirational.”

Appearing at the school the 54-year-old spoke to the children before officially opening the Duncan Goodhew room.

He said: “I’m delighted the children have chosen to name the class after me, I hope the visit will inspire the children to develop a healthy interest in sport and exercise, we may even discover some future Olympic stars.”