Shannon meets Olympic hero Mary

Year 11 pupil Shannon Craney interviewed the sporting icon during a recent trip to Belfast, even getting the chance to wear her 1972 gold medal.

A renowned athlete, Mary not only made an impact on the international stage but also in her home country, setting up her own track and coaching several young athletics stars.

“I think this is such an important time for young people to see the excitement of being involved in a sporting event,” Mary said of the London 2012 Games. “The Olympics are such a unifying thing; I hope they bring people together and I hope that they inspire young people in Northern Ireland to get more involved in sports.”