A CHAMPION swimmer made a splash at Weymouth schools by showing off his Olympic gold medal.

Duncan Goodhew’s tour of Weymouth and Portland included Mulberry Bush Pre-school and St Andrew’s Primary School in Preston and All Saints School in Wyke Regis.

He also visited Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Weymouth Football Club, Weymouth Sea Life Tower and the Riviera Hotel.

Pupils also got the chance to hold the Olympic torch he carried for London 2012.

Mr Goodhew, 55, who won gold for 100 metre breaststroke in the 1980 Moscow Games, encouraged pupils to support Team GB.

He said: “I’m completely bald from alopecia and I’m dyslexic so school was a real struggle for me but I found swimming which allowed me to rebuild my life.

“I’ve come into schools to encourage kids to do sport, particularly swimming, to build their confidence.

“It’s great to visit Weymouth and speak to all the children about sport.”

Pupils of all ages enjoyed hearing stories about the 1980 Games when Mr Goodhew was captain of the Great Britain swim team.

At St Andrew’s Primary he spent time visiting each class chatting to excited children and passing around his medal and torch.

Jack Davenport, 11, was among pupils who greeted their guest in the school.

He said: “It is really exciting that we have got to meet an Olympian.”

Headteacher Vanessa Lucas said: “It is great that Duncan has come to the school it really promotes the Olympics and is very exciting for the children.”

Later in the day, the Olympian was welcomed to All Saints School where he spoke to children who like himself suffer from dyslexia and those with a talent for swimming.

Ian Stone, who is amanager for British Gas and lives in Weymouth, helped to organise the day.

He said: “I have links to St Andrew’s and Weymouth Football club and as I work for British Gas who is sponsoring the swimming it seemed like the perfect idea.”

Mr Goodhew has visited a host of schools nationwide in the build up to the Games.