Olympic track cyclist Jackie Boyle paid a visit to Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School in Thorold to share her Olympic experiences and inspire the next generation of Olympians.

The 27-year-old Toronto native, who started track cycling after being identified via the RBC Training Ground program, got more than she bargained for during the visit. Her session with the youngest students saw her challenged to a foot race by one of the students and a bike race against school principal Chris Zanuttini. The foot race went off without a hitch but the bike race saw the two contestants wipe out on the first two turns en route to a tie as they crossed the finish line. Boyle finished with a smile on her face and a hole in her pants where she slid on the hardwood floor.

The visit was the result of a $5,000 grant the school received from the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Teacher Kerri Tropea spearheaded the application process for the grant that the school plans to use for guest speakers and the purchase of phys-ed equipment, including lacrosse and ringette gear.

“It’s to help students become aware of Olympic athletes, the opportunity to set goals for themselves and to be exposed to different sports than what they already might be aware of,” Zanuttini said, adding the school’s next guest speaker will be a National Lacrosse League player.

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