3 minute read
School memories
SCHOOL MEMORIES SAM RUDDOCK
The British Paralympic track cycling team athlete reflects on his formative years and academic achievements at Rugby School in Warwickshire
Your school in three words?
Daunting, challenging, influential.
Sam joined the British Cycling Foundation programme in 2019 considerable effort to bring my grades up to standard.
One memory that will stay with you forever…?
Discovering that I’d achieved the grades I needed to study at Loughborough. The culmination of the two years I’d spent at Rugby was there on my UCAS form. I celebrated in the only way that’s appropriate: sliding down the hallway tiles on my knees with a double fist pump, and yelling as if I’d scored a late winner for England in a World Cup Final!
Who was your best friend?
Georgie Plowright, one of the most down-to-earth, straighttalking, thoughtful and caring individuals I’ve ever met.
What did you want to be when you left school?
I was very influenced by the sight of Kofi Annan on the news when I was a teenager with a keen interest in history and current affairs. It was because of his degree in International Relations that I went to Loughborough to study that subject.
Any embarrassing moments at school?
Being dumped from the 1st XI by the hockey keeper in front of all the boys in the House.
Play any pranks?
Dousing Rupert Crooke’s head with ground pepper at lunch time, without him knowing!
Favourite place to hang out?
During free periods, we’d always be in the common room on the Playstation 2.
Teacher’s pet or always in the detention room?
The closest I came to being in trouble was turning in a substandard history essay. This provoked a response from the Headteacher which left the room in rapture. “Sam, if you
What were your favourite subjects and did they hint at your future passions?
continue to turn in work of this standard, you’ll unfortunately find yourself wallowing in a pit of inadequacy.” Ouch.
Did you win any prizes?
Winning the Best in School prize for English language was a particular highlight, as was being given the captaincy of the 5th XV in my last year.
Favourite teacher?
I have a few. Mr. HemmingAllen who was no-nonsense, but reminded us regularly that he was semi-professional at nearly every pub sport you could imagine. Mrs. Moyle, who helped me understand that mastering language is a labour of love.
What advice would you offer your school-age self?
Just keep swimming.
How would your teachers describe you?
I’d like to think they’d describe me as the hardest worker in the room. It took time and economics and French. If you mix them, you’d soon find yourself with a delicious cake that says ‘International Relations’. It was my intention to use this degree to travel the world and work in international diplomacy. Everything I learned at Rugby and Loughborough has allowed me to fulfil this intention. Pedalling around a velodrome for four laps is likely to be just as rewarding and excruciating as finalising trade agreements.
