FROM Gladiators and the classical piano to becoming one of the UK’s fastest athletes in the 110m hurdles, William Sharman is now hoping to win a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics.

But before his bid for Olympic glory, the 25-year-old athlete has been busy visiting children at a Potters Bar school.

William, who narrowly missed out on a medal at the World Championships in Berlin in August, where he finished fourth, spent a day inspiring pupils at Lochinver House School, in Heath Road.

A school spokeswoman told the Potters Bar Edition: “William took an assembly and talked about his training programme, diet and the importance of education for professional athletes.”

William, a classically-trained pianist and former timekeeper on ITV show Gladiators, also provided encouragement to the boys while they carried out their sponsored circuits.

The spokeswoman added: “He raced against boys from years two, three and seven and when he was beaten by three of them, he went on to show the youngsters how to behave in defeat.

“The boys gained a huge amount from such a positive role model.”

Around �2,500 was raised during the sponsored circuits day at the school.

All the funds will go to the Sethani Charity, which is being supported by Lochinver House School pupils on their forthcoming rugby tour of South Africa in April 2010.