Gladiator star inspires pupils to be their best

School children in Crowborough received a visit from a Gladiator star who said he wanted to inspire youngsters to be their very best.

Zack George, who is known professionally as Steel, talked to Rotherfield Primary School pupils about the importance of being strong, determined and confident.

The 34-year-old, who first appeared on the BBC game show in 2024, admitted he "didn't want to exercise" when he was young.

"Once I started watching the original Gladiator show, I was in awe of how strong they were and that's what inspired me to start my fitness journey and to become a Gladiator," he said.

One pupil, Amelie, said: "I think he's taught us to be brave in who you are and what you're doing."

"I think role models are important because they give you something to look up to and someone who could show you what you want to be in life," Alex added.

Steel, a CrossFit champion, said one of the qualities a Gladiator needs is being "extremely competitive".

"That's why we are Gladiators, and it is what makes us Gladiators. But we all support each other," he added.

Kate Bishop, Rotherfield head teacher, said: "Lots of children talk about being anxious at the moment, and it's OK to be anxious.

"But what's not OK is to dwell on it, it's about how we can move on from it.

"We want to give children the skills to manage their emotional health."

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