Sam T, one of our GCSE students, exemplifies resilience in every sense. An outstanding athlete during his time at Southborough, he has proudly represented England in UK competitions and was most recently crowned the South East Regional Champion in the English Schools' Combined Events. Specialising in the Pentathlon – comprising hurdles, long jump, shot put, high jump, and the 800 metres – Sam achieved a personal best at a prestigious national event held in Glasgow last November.
However, Sam’s journey has not been without its challenges. Following a series of injuries, he has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and commitment. Working closely with his personal trainer, he has focused on recovery and regaining competition fitness. His mindset remains exceptionally positive. As Sam reflects:
“Sustaining injuries is part and parcel of being an athlete. The important thing is to remain positive, look ahead, and do everything you can to overcome any setbacks. I plan to get back into competitions very soon.”
In addition to his sporting achievements, Sam is a dedicated student who values his academic progress. Balancing the demands of training with schoolwork has been no small feat, yet Sam has managed this successfully. As he embarks on his GCSE year, he recognises the importance of prioritising his studies and hopes to secure a sports scholarship in the future – potentially at a university in the United States, where he can continue to develop both academically and athletically.
Sam’s resilience was further tested – and demonstrated – this summer when he represented Southborough as a Wimbledon Ball Boy. During an exceptional heatwave, the role proved physically and mentally demanding. With shift lengths reduced from one hour to 45 minutes due to the extreme temperatures, he embraced the challenge, gaining the opportunity to support a wider range of matches across multiple courts – a rewarding and memorable experience.
We are incredibly proud of Sam’s achievements and his exemplary embodiment of resilience. We wish him every success in his GCSE examinations in 2026 and in his continued journey as a national-level athlete.