The athletes took part in a series of scientific assessments on respiration, temperature, power, cognition and body composition before joining a mentoring session with Olympic silver medallist Keri-Anne Payne and six-time Paralympic champion David Weir.

The Duchess of Cambridge took two cognitive tests to experience first-hand what the athletes had been doing.

The tests measured reaction time and help facilitate skill acquisition and skill execution in athletes.

"It's been a privilege to meet the athletes here today and share their achievements and challenges with the Duchess," said Weir.

"It's a long road to Tokyo but her support will make a big difference and with the right approach, it's achievable.

"It's exciting to think these athletes could be part of the next generation of British sporting heroes and I wish all of them the very best of luck."

The Duchess of Cambridge was joined by six-time Paralympic champion David Weir at the workshop in London ©SportsAid


Great British sprinter Shona Richards, 19, winner of silver medals in the 400 metres and 4x400m at the junior World Championships in Eugene in the summer, described the opportunity as a "brilliant experience".

"It's been really good, this is one of those places you hear about but you don't really get an opportunity to go to," she added.

"So being here is a huge deal and I'm so glad I was invited.

"It was incredible to meet the Duchess, it's something I never thought I'd do.

"We spoke about the day and the facilities, the support I've had from SportsAid and what I'm aiming for in the future.

"I've been supported by SportsAid for quite a few years now and I can honestly say that it's one of those things that people don't realise how much help it does give you as an athlete.

"There are a lot of places I couldn't have been, a lot of places I couldn't have raced without SportsAid, and that needs to be recognised as a huge influence in sport."

Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of SportsAid, meets sprinter Shona Richards at GSK's Human Performance Lab in London ©SportsAid


The GSK Human Performance Lab carries out research with elite performers - athletes, sports teams, extreme explorers - to better understand how the body and brain function.

This allows its scientists to help develop improved training, recovery, nutrition and competition programmes for partners.

In return, the research helps GSK develop products that better meet the healthcare needs of consumers and informs wider GSK research.

"We're very grateful to GSK for opening the Human Performance Lab up to these athletes today and for the fantastic insight it's given them," said Tim Lawler, SportsAid's chief executive.

"We're also delighted to have the Duchess with us as her support will give a huge boost to these inspirational young people, acknowledging all the sacrifices that they and their families are making for the future of British sport."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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