Lt Pete Reed MBE – three-time Olympic gold medallist rower and five time World Championship gold medallist – spoke to the Whole School Assembly on Monday 28th November. Lt Reed, who won gold at Beijing and London in the Men’s coxless fours and in Rio for the Men’s eight, spoke first about why each  medal is special: Beijing because it was the first, London because it was at home and “has a special place in my heart”, and Rio – his favourite “because of the people I did it with. We were a complete range of personality types, but we got the best out of each other, and helped each other get the best out of ourselves.” Lt Reed then talked about how, in these uncertain times, the most important thing to remember is that kindness wins. “Think about being kind; be the person that forgives.”

Our guest was very impressed with Blue Coat – not only the place, but also the pupils, and he reminded them to be kind to each other, and to look after each other. At breaktime, he was in Stone Hall with the Headmaster, to speak to pupils and have photos taken. A number of Blue Coat’s rowers were excited to have the opportunity to meet him and chat to him about his experiences.