Visit of Neil Fachie This December we were honoured to have Neil Fachie; Aberdonian Paralympic gold and silver medalist return to Oldmachar, to give a talk to each year group. Neil talked about his school career in Oldmachar Academy and his journey to become Paralympic Champion. He is pictured right with students, including our Sports Ambassadors, Bethany Galley and Steven Murray in S4. Neil acquired a gold medal in the 1km tandem (cycling) time trial and a silver medal in the individual tandem sprint at the London 2012 Paralympics. He suffers from a congenital eye condition, named retinitis pigmentosa, which eliminates his peripheral vision and severely reduces plus blurs his vision. Due to this condition, competitors in Neil’s event ride with a ‘sighted pilot’; their tandem partner, whose job is to steer. Neil’s pilot was Barney Storey. Mr Brown commented on Neil Fachie. “Neil is our first Olympic champion. A true hero. He exemplifies the struggle to overcome diversity. He reminds us that everyone is worthy of respect. We are very proud of him and his achievements. We also thank him for his continuing interest in the school.”
A lucky few who asked Neil questions had their pictures taken with him. Pictured right are some students in S1 who listened to Neil’s inspiring talk. Pictured above are the students in Miss Midgely’s Higher PE class. Everyone was inspired by Neil’s talk. Bethany Galley (S4) said that she one day hoped to emulate Neil and win Olympic Gold in her sport, rowing. “Neil is an inspiration to all Oldmachar Academy students.”