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Knowledge applied is the process of gaining both the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in the shortest possible time. My thirst for knowledge has driven me to travel the world, seeking new ideas and different perspectives. I've never been intimidated by those who are better than me — I see them as an opportunity to learn and push myself to the next level.

There is no destination – it’s all about YOUR journey. This has been my mantra for as long as I can remember. So many people equate my success, or my “destination,” to the Gold medal—a marker to show the world my success. However, Gold medals are elusive. They can prey on your mind; you can try too hard and get injured.

The rules are the rules—except when, as is often the case, they are open to interpretation. Rules play a crucial role in sport, and referees, umpires, or adjudicators are frequently cast as the villains as they make split-second decisions that can change the course of an athlete's performance.

Humour is an essential element of elite performance. It provides a natural release from the pressures of a demanding schedule and plays a crucial role in navigating the ups and downs of the competitive world of athletics, business, or even school.

Elite performers transform strategy into execution to achieve their desired outcomes. In this blog, I’ll share personal insights about my journey toward earning that Great Britain jersey and my dreams of gold.

The moment I felt my hamstring pull, I knew I had pushed myself too far. The Sydney Olympics represented years of preparation and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to achieve my goals. In just one training session, my dreams were shattered. Little did I know, this marked the beginning of my long journey back to fitness, ultimately leading to my Olympic gold four years later in Athens.

As an elite athlete, I was meticulous about nutrition, recovery, and maintaining the right balance to achieve peak energy levels during competitions. I discovered that my energy was influenced not only by my diet but also by the people I surrounded myself with. Positive energy from like-minded individuals amplified our collective drive.

There’s no crystal ball for decision-making. At various points in life—whether you’re a student choosing courses, a professional considering a career move, or facing a personal crossroads—difficult choices arise. This was my reality as I approached the end of my athletic career, forcing me to confront the inevitable.

Over 20 years of competing against the best in athletics, I was always striving to improve. In just over 10 seconds, I needed to explode into action, be aggressive yet in control, and push myself to my limits while remaining completely relaxed. There’s no time to think; everything must happen at a subconscious level, executed with supreme control and confidence. So, how do we express and build true confidence?

As a junior athlete beginning my journey in athletics, I was part of a group of young British athletes with the potential to transition from under-20 junior ranks to senior competition. As a young sprinter, I faced a particularly challenging progression through age groups. The U23 category was in its infancy, lacking established competition. Many athletes, including myself, attempted to leap directly from junior to senior categories.

As a professional athlete, I was fortunate to have access to exceptional coaches who mentored and challenged me to reach my full potential. The gold medal we won at the 2004 Olympics is a testament to the collective effort of many individuals who supported me through difficult times and encouraged me to push my limits.

Explore the exceptional artwork on display!

With a busy schedule consisting of deadlines, class work, homework, IAs, EEs, CAS, ECAs and exam preparation we often do not have chance to reflect on our feelings and stressors. Our body is very good at sending signals, but we are also equally good at ignoring these signals.

The presentation on ‘Getting Exam Ready’ on Tuesday 7 March was aimed to provide both practical information about the upcoming IGCSE exams, study leave and how parents can support their children in their first set of external examinations. If you were unable to join the event we have shared the information covered by email.

Every child is precious and their future rests in a decision about their education, made at a very early stage in their life. Choosing a school that is right for their child is one of the hardest decisions a parent has to make. This is the place where you will be sending your child to be educated and nurtured to adulthood. You will have the expectation that a team of trusted professionals will support your child, encourage and evoke a love of learning, and give your child the skills and knowledge to create their own future.

Saying that U.S. university admissions procedures and processes is fairly complicated does not meet too much opposition. Even back when I was applying to US universities, I found applications isolating, stressful, and frankly aggravating -- and the process has only grown more competitive since then. But there is a method behind the madness! And there are opportunities for personal growth with the right approach.

I still vividly remember the week leading up to my first day at Tufts University – “butterflies in the stomach” would be underselling the sensation. As a grizzled adult, I am tempted to look back now dismissively: there was no apparent reason to be so apprehensive. But as a university guidance counsellor and parent, I find dismissing these feelings not so easy – their roots are grounded in a reality worth investigating.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the Higher Education Guidance team at BISS. The team consists of Jessie Lee, an expert in applications to the top universities in Korea. Ms. Lee has been with BISS for 5 years, and during this time, has cultivated strong relationships with Korean members of our cohort. Her role as CAS Coordinator enables her to get to know our students intimately and challenge them to take risks that expand their horizons and push them out of their comfort zones.

Thank you to those parents who attended the ‘Succeeding at Key Stage 3’ event this week; there was a very strong turnout. It was a pleasure to present information which we hope is of help to you as parents/guardians and your children, to support their academic success, and be happy and healthy learners at BISS.

Reading is key to unlocking the academic curriculum and is of fundamental importance when considering a child’s future achievement, wellbeing and successes in life. Current research by the Institute of Education highlights the benefits of reading books and newspapers, and visiting the library as having a significant impact on a child’s progress with reading.