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Gladiators star visits Ipswich primary school

Zack George, known as Steel on BBC's Gladiators, spent Monday at Gusford Primary School promoting his health programme and inspiring pupils.

Why it matters: Steel, who was also named the UK's fittest man in 2020 and is ranked 26th out of 126,461 competitors on the global CrossFit leader board, is using his platform as a Gladiator to motivate children to adopt healthy lifestyles and develop resilience, telling pupils that "Anything is possible."

Gladiator Steel giving a talk at Gusford Primary School
Gusford Primary School
Gladiator Steel giving a talk at Gusford Primary School

The details: George delivered an interactive assembly about healthy balanced eating, exercise, confidence, mindset and hydration.

  • He demonstrated his signature Gladiator pose and taught pupils the technique for climbing "The Wall"

  • Children were treated to a demonstration of his handstand walk, both forwards and backwards

  • George shared insights about the mindset of a Gladiator and how they prepare for events

What they're saying: "Steel was Fab! Our children were transfixed by Steel; not just because of his exploits on Gladiators or the fact that he has been crowned the UK's fittest man but because of the message he gave to the children," said Headteacher Stephen Tapley.

Gladiator Steel posing with students at Gusford Primary School
Gusford Primary School
Gladiator Steel posing with students at Gusford Primary School

Behind the scenes: After the assembly, Steel visited every class for photos and questions, giving each pupil an ActiPH bottle of water.

  • He signed over 500 autographs during his visit

  • Made time for every question, whether related to Gladiators, fitness or other topics

  • Gave "plenty of fist bumps and high fives throughout the day"

The bottom line: The visit was organised by Friends of Gusford School (FOGGS), with the headteacher calling it "money well spent and something for everyone."

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