Earlier this term Mr Knight and Mr Feist took a group of 16 elite athletes and other pupils interested in sports science to Southampton Solent University where we got to work with leading sports scientists who have worked with the England rowing and wheelchair rugby teams, as well professional footballers from the south coast clubs. Our day would be split into two; the first half of the morning would be looking at Sports Science facilities and running a test on our leading middle distance runner, Femi Agbetoyin.
Session 1
We took a Par-Q test to check if we were okay to do the test. Femi was our lab rat for the morning, going through the range of tests in the lab and helping us get an insight on how things are performed in preparation of the VO2 maximum test. Femi was then hooked up to a heart monitor and we were able to monitor his heart rates throughout the test and from different areas around the heart . He was also hooked up to oxygen mask which would show us how much oxygen he uses
The Solent staff had no hesitation in allowing us to join in with the test and made sure each one of us had a job. Some of us recorded heart rate, two took blood samples to test blood lactate levels. Kertis was checking Femi's state of mind using indications on a card. Others recorded heart rate.
We then collected Femi's data and put it into the a graph. Dr Stewart Bruce-Low then explained to us what data we could get from out graphs and how to use them to help coaches and athletes get the best out of training.
It gave us a more of an idea of what studying sports science would be like and also answered many of the questions we had.
Session 2 consisted of a series of tests: the 20m. speed test, vertical jump, stork test and the line drill which resembled a suicide. Not a single person slacked off, everyone was ready to work and do the best they could. The Solent staff picked up on our work ethic and how well we supported each other. We like to think of ourselves as a family and we believe no one gets left out.
There we a lot of surprises for some of the test for example Jaylesh and Jessica balanced on one leg for 17 minutes which was just an incredible act of strength. Omar out- jumped national basketball players in the vertical jump with a amazing 32cm. Taiwo ran a fast time in the speed test which compared with 10.6 sprinters.
We wound down the session and discussed what options were available for talented athletes to study and train. It was a great experience working with the Solent staff; they showed nothing but enthusiasm and passion throughout the day. They were excellent at supplying us with the information and still managed to maintain a fun atmosphere and provide us with a great day.
We enjoyed the trip to Solent so much that we are extremely keen to go back and learn more but also make these trips on a regular basis. We would like to say a huge thank you to Solent for allowing us to come down a giving us an exciting and valuable day. Thank you to Mr Feist and Mr Knight for organizing this trip. As a consequence of everyone’s hard work, our school is now in discussion with Solent University about creating a long term program with the university.
Tamara, Kala and Jessica.