Katarina Johnson-Thompson says school mural is 'my best moment'

Double Commonwealth gold medal-winning heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson has said unveiling a mural of herself at her former school was "the best moment of my life".

The mural, which also features fellow gold medallist Jack Hunter-Spivey, has been painted at St Mark's Catholic Primary School in Halewood, Merseyside.

Johnson-Thompson said it was "special" to see it where "it all started".

Hunter-Spivey added that unveiling it was "a real pinch yourself moment".

Johnson-Thompson, who won at both the Birmingham and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, also took her second World Championships gold at the 2023 event in Budapest in August, while Hunter-Spivey's table tennis gold in Birmingham built on his previous bronze at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The mural, painted by Liverpool artist Paul Curtis, depicts the pair showing off their medals.

"This is probably the best moment of my life," Johnson-Thompson said.

"To have it permanently there in the place it all started is definitely a special day for me."

Hunter-Spivey said it was "absolutely amazing", adding: "It's a real pinch yourself moment."

"To see your own face painted on the side of a building is incredible to see."

The pair also took part in a question and answer session with the school's pupils.

Head teacher Sue Bradshaw said they were an inspiration to the children.

"They talk about Katarina all the time, so to have her in school... is really special," she said.

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