TOP cyclist and Olympic medallist Rik Waddon has been inspiring youngsters at a Leigh high school after proving that the best way to get over a near-fatal collision with a car is to get back on a bike.

The 37-year-old Olympic silver medallist suffered life-threatening injuries and was left with cerebral palsy after his brain was starved of oxygen.

But Rik, who was born in Chester, got back on his bike after being inspired by cycling great Chris Boardman to take up the sport.

Rik spoke to students at Bedford High School in his role as Sky Sports Living For Sports mentor and took the children through a series of team-building exercises during the day.

Rik said: “I was never really into sports at school.

“The accident had left me with a limp so I was a bit of an easy target for bullies.

“I was the kind of kid who always got picked last for sports but then I saw a video of the Tour De France and thought – that’s for me.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work for me to get here today but I wasn’t going to let anything hold me back. Certainly not fear, it just doesn’t enter my head.”

Rik, who trains three times a day, six days a week, has set his sights on winning gold in the Rio Olympics in 2016 and he is just as determined as ever. He said: “I’ve met the Queen, been on television and been at the top of my sport.

“With everything I’ve achieved you’d think I could just sit back and enjoy it all, but I can’t.

“At 37 some people would probably say I’m too old to go to another Olympics but I wouldn’t listen to anything like that.

“It’s something that I am determined to do and nothing will stop me. That’s the spirit I want the students to take away with them."

Head teacher Helen Phillips said: “Rik’s story is an amazing example of how anyone can triumph over adversity and go on to be a success, if they have the right amount of determination and willpower.

“It’s great when people like Rik come in to school and show us exactly what can be done.”