We were proud to welcome members of Germany’s elite athletics team as they prepared for the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. As part of their four-week training camp in Kuala Lumpur, the team chose to use our very own school track as their base - reinforcing our position as a globally recognised hub for providing great facilities and unforgettable learning opportunities.
While Malaysia’s selection as a training destination marks a growing recognition of the country’s sports facilities and climate, what made this visit unique was the incredible engagement between the athletes and our students - an experience that truly brought sport and learning together.
More Than Just a Training Ground
In an unforgettable highlight, four of Germany’s top athletics stars took time out of their intense training schedule to take part in an engaging talk show hosted by our Head Students - Liam, Monique, Aiden and Alex.
- Rebekka Haase - Olympic medallist and European Champion, known for her explosive speed and experience on the world stage
- Sophia Junk - Olympic medallist and European Champion, a dynamic sprinter who has inspired many with her perseverance and success
- Owen Ansah - Currently the fastest man in German history over 100m and an Olympian, bringing electrifying pace and precision to the track
- Aleksandar Ašković - National indoor champion, a rising star in German sprinting
Our students didn’t just get to meet these incredible athletes - they also got to participate in an inspiring training workshop with athletes Sven Buggel and Volker Beck, giving them a firsthand experience of elite-level preparation.
Whether it was discussing motivation and mental strength, asking questions face-to-face, or receiving tips on sprinting and hurdling techniques during the training session, the experience was as inspiring as it was educational.
A Model of Global Collaboration
This special visit reflected the wider context of renewed sporting collaboration between Malaysia and Germany. According to Joerg Teichmann, of the German Athletics Programme, the team has been impressed with the support and facilities in Kuala Lumpur. In turn, Malaysia has expressed enthusiasm to further strengthen this partnership moving forward.
James Worland, Secondary Campus Principal talked about the pride and importance of the opportunity, “All of us at The Alice Smith School are incredibly proud to have been part of this journey. Hosting Olympic athletes on our campus, and seeing them connect with and inspire our students, is a powerful reminder of the role schools can play in shaping global-minded learners through real-world experiences.”