OB Tori shares her tips on Peak Performance with pupils and staff at Christ College
12 Feb 2013
On May 24 2007, Old Breconian Tori James made history when she became the first Welsh woman, and youngest British woman, to climb to the summit of Everest. It was an amazing achievement for the petite farmer’s daughter from Pembrokeshire.
On Friday 11th January 2013, pupils and staff welcomed Tori back to Christ College where she shared the inspiration and drive that helped her to succeed in reaching the ‘rooftop of the world’. Tori’s visit coincided with the launch of her book, Peak Performance.
Tori James grew up on her family farm in Pembrokeshire. She first entered the record books as a member of the first ever all-female team to complete The Polar Challenge, a 360 mile race to the Magnetic North Pole. Her climb to the summit of Everest in 2007 was featured in the BBC documentary On Top of the World.
During her visit, Tori gave a presentation to Form 1 and 2 pupils from Alway House. Following the presentation, questions came thick and fast from the pupils and many stayed on to meet their new her heroine. Following this engagement, Tori then met with lower sixth pupils who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and was able to share some tips with them. Tori’s second presentation of the day followed in the school’s packed conference room where there was standing room only. The whole of the Christ College sixth form turned up along with staff to hear Tori deliver a gripping but thoughtful presentation on the factors that have helped her to succeed.
Tori’s final engagement of the evening came at a dinner, hosted by the Head of Christ College Mrs Emma Taylor, and attended by invited pupils and staff. Over dinner, pupils were able to quiz Tori on many aspects of her presentation and sought advice on a wide-ranging set of subjects.
Mrs Taylor commented: “We are so grateful to Tori for coming back to Christ College and for sharing the inspiration and drive that helps her to succeed. Tori is an accomplished speaker who aims to motivate and inspire. Well she did that in spades today!”
The lecture was part of a series of lectures delivered to sixth form pupils by former pupils and invited guests on their careers and achievements since leaving school. On 17th and 18th January Christ College will be holding Sixth Form Scholarship & Entrance Assessments for pupils wishing to join the sixth form at Christ College in September 2013. For details of the scholarships and awards available, please contact Admissions Registrar Margaret Stephens on 01874 615440 or visit www.christcollegebrecon.com.