A Paralympic silver medalist is helping inspire the next generation of athletes in Merseyside.
A-level Physical Education students at Hugh Baird College welcomed back former student Beth Munro to talk about her experience of competing at the highest level and the hard work and commitment needed to succeed.
Beth, who in 2011 achieved A-levels in Physical Education, Psychology and Mathematics at the College’s South Sefton Campus, secured a silver medal in Taekwondo at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo this summer – the UK’s first Taekwondo medal at a Paralympic Games.
Beth, from Litherland, is a former netball player who turned to javelin to pursue her Paralympic dream.
Initially scouted by Disability Sport Wales, she was asked to attend training sessions in Cardiff which eventually resulted in her taking up Taekwondo in 2019.
Beth said:
“It was amazing to meet the current cohort of students and catch up with my tutors. I have fond memories of being a student at the South Sefton Campus and it was a pleasure to come back.”
With a Masters’ degree in Health Psychology, Beth discussed the mental strength and resilience needed to succeed at an elite level.
“I talked to the students about understanding psychology and how your mind works as it helps you through the intense training and allows you to perform at the highest level. Having a positive mental state helps give you an extra boost when competing.”
Beth’s former Physical Education tutor, Rachel Reeves, who welcomed her back to the College, says the College is incredibly proud of her achievements.
“It was a real honour to welcome Beth back to campus. Her talk really has inspired our students and we are really grateful to her for spending time with the students and showing us her silver medal.”
“Beth is an example to us all, that if you have a dream and you commit to it, you can achieve it. We are thoroughly proud of her success and we look forward to welcoming her back with a medal from Paris 2024!”