BEST IN HIS FIELD
Sarah Moolla meets the legendary PE teacher Steve Williams from Whitchurch High, the state school covered in sporting glory 60 I CARDIFF LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
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urns out I’m late to meet Steve Williams, the former Whitchurch High School PE teacher, now their estates director, (and also a Cardiff Life Award judge – turn to page 55 for more.) I’m not minutes late though, not even an hour or two behind schedule, but a whole 24 hours. I had the wrong date. “You were supposed to be here yesterday” is his gruff greeting. And for a moment, as I fluster and bluster my lame excuses, I see a glimpse of ‘Grumpy’, Steve’s nickname earned due to his matter-offact, dour, manner. He is also renowned for being a tough disciplinarian when needed but, tardiness misdemeanour forgiven, turns out he’s also good company. However it’s Steve’s skill as an extraordinary PE teacher in a Cardiff state school that have garnered results for his pupils and we’re talking world class, in another league, gold medal, kind of results. Under his tutorage there’s famously been footballer Gareth Bale who plays for Wales, former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton, and 2018’s Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas. But a walk down the school’s sporting corridor of fame uncovers a phenomenal gallery of other sporting heroes dating back decades and includes sport shooter David Phelps who won gold at the Commonwealth Gold 2018 and international lawn and Indoor bowler Daniel Salmon who won the 2017 World Youth Championships bowls pairs in Australia. There’s also nationally and internationally achievers in gymnastics, athletics, ice skating, swimming, badminton and hockey.
“You just need to try a bit harder, that’s always been the attitude here”
