Yorkshire Olympic heroes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee took their gold medals to a village primary school near York to inspire pupils as part of their partnership with rural broadband provider Quickline.
The Brownlee brothers have between them won three Olympic triathlon gold medals, having captured the hearts of the nation at the London 2012 games, where they shared the podium.
Alistair remains the only male Olympic triathlete to win back-to-back gold medals – a feat he achieved in London and at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro – while brother Jonny is the most decorated Olympic triathlete in history, with three medals.
In May, the Brownlees were announced as brand ambassadors for Quickline, which connects some of the most rural communities in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire with its fibre and 5G fixed wireless broadband packages.
Since then, they have been helping Quickline spread the word about its fast and reliable broadband services.
The pair starred in a national TV advert which appeared on ITV, sharing the message that no one should settle for second best when it comes to broadband.
Alistair and Jonny joined the Quickline team at Archbishop of York Church of England Junior School in Bishopthorpe, to share their inspirational story with pupils.
The brothers took part in a PE lesson with pupils from years three and four, before sitting down for a Q&A session and discussing their journey from Bramhope, near Leeds, to Olympic success.
Alistair said at the event: “We’ve had a great day visiting pupils today – we both enjoy getting out and about and meeting young people. It’s a big part of why we launched the Brownlee Foundation nine years ago, to encourage people to get involved in all different types of sport and lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
“We’re both grateful that our partnership with Quickline has enabled us to do more events like this, and to visit different communities and make a difference.
“Growing up, I was hugely inspired by watching the Olympic Games and listening to other athletes. Seeing the triathlon become an Olympic event in Sydney in 2000 had a big impact on me, and I hope through days like this we can inspire some more people.”
Jonny added: “For us, it’s about encouraging young people to try their hardest in every single thing they do. That doesn’t have to be sport, that applies to everything in life, regardless of what you’re good at.
“I’ve personally always been inspired by things that are closer to home. I remember Alistair representing Team GB for the first time, and how much that inspired me to do the same.
“My message to young people is always not to be scared of failure. The only way you’ll really fail is if you don’t try.”
The Brownlees took part in games and activities with pupils in Bishopthorpe, before sitting down to share their own story.
Questions from pupils covered topics ranging from diet and nutrition to the challenges of spending time away from home while competing across the world.
Sean Royce, CEO at Quickline, joined the Brownlees in Bishopthorpe.
He said: “We’ve loved working with Alistair and Jonny this year to spread the word about our fast and reliable broadband to more people in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
“We’re delighted that, through our partnership with Alistair and Jonny, we’ve been able to give pupils in Bishopthorpe an unforgettable experience with two of Yorkshire’s greatest ever Olympians.
“I think we can all name a famous person who has inspired us in life, and for a lot of people, that person is an athlete or a sports star.
“For these young people to meet Alistair and Jonny, see their gold medals and hear about the hard work and dedication they’ve both put into doing what they love, it will hopefully have a big impact on their futures.”
Alistair was recently elected as Chair of the European Olympic Committee’s Athlete Commission, ensuring athletes’ voices are heard and represented at the highest levels.
He is also the official Sport Ambassador for the 2024 Corporate Games, taking place in Leeds, to promote health and wellbeing through sport.
Jonny is still competing at the highest levels of professional sport, and is currently training for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The brothers also established the Brownlee Foundation together, which has engaged with more than 50,000 young people to encourage them to lead active lifestyles and benefit from the opportunities sport provides.
Quickline is on a mission to tackle internet inequality affecting households and businesses in rural communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Its next-generation 5G fixed wireless broadband is blended with a full fibre service to create the UK’s only gigabit capable network using hybrid technology.
