AN Olympic gymnast recently visited students at the University of Worcester.

The Olympic bronze medalist Kristian Thomas visited the most effective teaching techniques he has learnt in his 23 years of training, which could help them if they go on to teach PE.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Cannock, recently announced his retirement from the sport, saying he was keen to help build on the higher profile that the sport has since the last two Olympics.

“Being retired allows me to do more workshops and go into more schools to try and raise the profile of the sport and get more people involved in gymnastics," he said.

"But I can only reach so many.

"Teachers will be spending the most time with pupils so, if they have the right tools to approach gymnastics with and know more about the sport, where it can take you potentially and how much it can help you not just in gymnastics but in other sports, that can only be a good thing.

"The students have picked up at first hand tips not just for themselves but for when they’re teaching people as well.”

The gymnast was part of the five-man squad that won Great Britain's first men’s team medal for 100 years at London 2012.

He also won European golds in 2012 and 2015, a Commonwealth gold in 2014 and a World Championship silver in 2015.

During the visit he gave students tips on how to perform moves correctly and they had the chance to quiz him on his life in gymnastics, including the hardest moment of his career, his proudest achievement, his regrets, and his future plans.

Camilla Neale, who leads the teaching gymnastics and dance in Secondary Education module, said: “So many people fear teaching gymnastics but here we like to encourage our students. What better way than by being inspired by an Olympian?"