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Olympic star Kristian Thomas has pupils flipping out - PICTURES and VIDEO

Somersaulting Olympic superstar Kristian Thomas had pupils flipping out on a series of visits to schools.

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The Wolverhampton-born gymnast, who famously won a team bronze at the 2012 London Olympics, was on hand to offer advice to youngsters on how to become top atheletes.

The 28-year-old visited the Ormiston South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy, based on Dudley Street, Bilston, on Thursday. He also visited two other schools in Smethwick.

Kristian, who now lives in Wimblebury, near Cannock, spoke to 100 year seven pupils at Orminston SWB about athletics as part of a national mentoring programme. The programme is part of National School Sports Week which ran from Monday to Friday this week.

Speaking about the visit, Paul Morris, director of sport at the academy said: “It was absolutely brilliant to have the children meet such an elite, local athlete.

“Kristian really got stuck in and took part in a circuit fitness test with the children, demonstrated some of his gymnastics moves and then held a question and answer session. Pupils asked some really good questions about his inspiration, his training as a gymnast and nutrition. It was a great way to round off National School Sports Week.”

Tweeting about the visits, Kristian – who trained at Earls Gymnastics Club in Halesowen – said: “A busy day with @TeamSuperSchool – Three School visits in Smethick and Wolverhampton #inspireageneration.” Named the captain for Team GB’s gymnastics squad for the Olympic Games in Rio, Kristian helped the team finish in fourth last year.