Track star presents Failsworth awards

Emma O’Neill, who received the most consistent sports representative award, with Katharine Merry and other award winners at the back

 
OLYMPIC 400 metres bronze-medallist Katherine Merry dropped in to Failsworth School to present sports awards.

Andrea Atkinson, director of sport, said: “The ceremony was absolutely fantastic. It was the first such event we had held in our new school, which only opened in February.

Pupil Emma O’Neill was presented an outstanding achievement award for five years of sporting excellence.

“The pupils were pleased to meet Katharine and enjoyed playing Question of Sport with her. She also commented on how much she enjoyed herself at the school.”

Katharine was the fastest girl in the world at 14. She was selected for Great Britain career at 13, and stayed with the team for a six years.

She transferred into a successful senior athlete with her Olympic medal and became World number 1 the following year.

However, after three operations on a bone spur growth on her right heel, Katharine retired three years ago.