SCHOOLGIRLS outside Oswestry were treated to a visit from a British athletics legend as 400m hurdler and sprinter Kriss Akabusi acted as a guest of honour at a prize giving.

Mr Akabusi visited Adcote School, outside Oswestry, and told students to 'dream big and seize opportunities' and embrace people who recognise their potential when he was the guest of honour at the Speech Day and prize-giving.

The triple Olympic medallist and holder of World, European and Commonwealth titles spoke to students and inspire them with a fascinating talk about his journey from a London children’s home to the athletics podium.

He told students that to reach their potential they needed to take responsibility for themselves, make decisions, take opportunities, be ready to accept and learn from others, accept that there will always be challenges and to always accept support.

The former GB star spoke about his early life experiences and how joining the British Army led to his life as an elite athlete through Army sergeant Ian McKenzie.

“He was an army athlete as well as a soldier," he said.

"He transformed my life."

Kriss found fame at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games where he won a silver medal – a medal that he particularly treasures and keeps with him at all times to this day.

Probably his best-remembered race of the era was when the Great Britain 4 x 400m relay team of Roger Black, Derek Redmond, John Regis and Kriss Akabusi spectacularly beat the indomitable USA to take gold at the 1991 World Championships.

Akabusi ran a blistering anchor leg to overtake the American 400m individual world sprint champion Antonio Pettigrew, and held him off to finish first over the line.

Glory had come after a daring change in the Great Britain running order at the last minute – an idea that had come to Akabusi himself, he revealed, in the early hours of the morning before the race.

“I saw that the whole world ran a race that suited the Americans,” he said.

“Whoever you are, whatever your background, dream big.

“And think about the impact you’re making in lives, not just your own but those around you.”

His greatest individual triumph was winning the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1990 European Championships when he broke a British record that had stood for 22 years.

After he retired from the track, in 1992 Kriss was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to British athletics.

He continues to work as a consultant and contributor for radio and TV and over the past 20 years, he has also made a name for himself as a motivational speaker.