Pupils from Stevenage’s John Henry Newman School were able to quiz Olympic gold medallist Lord Coe about his achievements thanks to a programme organised by the world’s largest biotech group.

The former athlete who headed the London 2012 Olympics drive was the guest of Roche Products Ltd in Welwyn Garden City.

He spoke to the youngsters about the motivation that drove him to win two gold and two silver Olympic medals, as well as the challenges he faced when bringing the Olympics to London in 2012.

He told students about his on-track rivalries and the lessons learned from London 2012, as well as what drove him to succeed at the highest level.

Lord Coe said: “I feel very fortunate to have been able to inspire people through my career and through a sport I love.

“I could not see in my lifetime a better opportunity to engage and excite young people in sport than an Olympic Games held in their own backyard.”

Abbie Scanlon, a Year 7 student from John Henry Newman School, said: “I really enjoyed meeting Lord Coe. He was very interesting and I even got to ask him a few questions which was great. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget!”

Roche, founded in 1896, has been making important contributions to global health for more than a century and 28 medicines it has developed are included in the World Health Organisation model lists of essential medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and chemotherapy.