GOLD medal-winning British athletes prepared for success by using "perfect" facilities at a school as a secret training camp.

Four Olympic heroes were among dozens of competitors who used facilities at Forest School in College Place, Snaresbrook, ahead of their inspirational performances.

Nicola Adams, the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold, fellow boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Luke Campbell, and Taekwondo gold medallist Jade Jones all trained at the school's £4 million Sylvestrian Leisure Centre in secret from late July as they made their final preparations to compete at London 2012.

Rob McCracken, performance director for boxing, said the school provided facilities which were "perfect for my athletes."

And Team GB's chef de mission Andy Hunt thanked the school for helping spur the athletes on to glory.

He said: "We are enormously grateful ... for the friendly support of the drivers and all Forest School staff who came into contact with our London 2012 Olympians.

"Many thanks again for your contribution to the success of Team GB at London 2012."

Wayne Bishop, the school's leisure centre manager, was the man responsible for organising the training camp and ferried the athletes to and from the Athletes' Village every day.

He said: "It was a fantastic experience. They loved the facilities we had and I feel very proud of the part we played in their success. They basically needed a quiet haven and a close location and we provided that.

"We knew they were medal hopefuls but you never know until the day. It felt brilliant when they won.

"They were great fun – very professional but also really approachable and easy to chat to. They all had a bit of a joke and a giggle with us."

The Olympians worked out for several hours each day, using the school's sports hall, gym, swimming pool and cricket suite - where the fencing team trained for a few days - as well as a temporary boxing ring.

The leisure centre was used by all the Team GB boxers and the entire Taekwondo team, as well as the hockey players and fencers.

Some Team GB swimmers were also based at the school.

Mr Bishop, 34, added: "It was an absolute privilege and very inspiring to watch them in action.

"It will definitely have a knock-on effect - it means we are part of the Olympic legacy - and we want to make sure our own students use these excellent facilities."

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