The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have now come to a close, with two SGS Alumni having competed in the Paris Olympics 2024. Josh Tarling (representing Team GB) journey to the 2024 Olympics was filled with impressive accomplishments and some setbacks. At just 20 years old, Tarling, a rising star in British cycling, competed in the men's individual time trial event at the Paris Olympics. Although he was a strong contender for a medal, an untimely puncture during the race ultimately saw him finish in fourth place, just 2.16 seconds shy of the podium. This result was a tough blow for the young cyclist, who had previously secured victories at major events such as the European Time Trial Championships in 2023 and the opening time trial at O Gran Camiño in 2024.

The second athlete competing at Paris 2024 was Chay Mullins, a talented rugby player originally from Bristol, who made significant strides in his athletic career leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Representing Ireland in rugby sevens, Mullins has a diverse background in rugby, including playing for Connacht Rugby and the Ireland national sevens team. In the lead-up to the Olympics, Mullins was part of the Ireland squad that competed in the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship, where he played a pivotal role. His performance earned him a spot on the Ireland sevens team for the Olympics. During the games, Mullins contributed notably with key tries, including those in matches against Japan and Fiji, demonstrating his skill and importance to the team.

British Paralympic table tennis star Will Bayley also claimed a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, adding to his impressive collection of achievements on the world stage. Bayley’s latest triumph is a testament to his incredible resilience, skill, and determination to succeed in one of the world’s most competitive arenas. This silver medal marks yet another highlight in Bayley’s illustrious career, which includes a gold medal at Rio 2016 and a silver at Tokyo 2020. Competing in his fifth Paralympic Games, Bayley’s performance captivated fans around the world as he fought his way to the final, showcasing the tactical brilliance and emotional intensity that have become his trademarks. A Tough Final Battle: In the final match, Bayley faced one of his fiercest rivals, giving his all in a thrilling contest that went down to the wire. Despite a hard-fought effort, he narrowly missed out on gold, finishing with the silver medal.

Reflecting on the achievements of SGS Sport athletes at the highest level, Curriculum Director of Personal and Social Development– Connor Sidley-Adams commented that “everyone at SGS College is very proud of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes who represented and will represent TeamGB and Team Ireland this summer. Following our learners journeys as they continue to succeed post SGS College is something that we take great pride in"