Key Points
- Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic champion in the 400 metres, visited St John’s Church of England Primary School in Tower Hamlets on November 18, 2025.
- The visit was part of a new schools initiative launched by Quaker Oats and Magic Breakfast.
- Team GB supports the initiative through its partnership with Quaker.
- The initiative focuses on promoting the importance of breakfast in enhancing learning and building confidence among children.
- Ohuruogu emphasised the role of a nutritious breakfast in providing energy, focus, and confidence, drawing from her own athletic experience.
- She participated in a breakfast club session with about 30 children, engaging in interactive activities.
- Emily Wilkie, director of fundraising and development at Magic Breakfast, highlighted the partnership’s goal to educate young people on the power of good nutrition for success.
What was the purpose of Christine Ohuruogu’s visit to St John’s Church of England Primary School?
Christine Ohuruogu, the 2008 Olympic gold medallist and 2012 silver medallist in the 400 metres, visited St John’s Church of England Primary School in Tower Hamlets on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. The visit was part of a new educational initiative launched jointly by Quaker Oats and Magic Breakfast, with backing from Team GB through its Quaker partnership. According to Emily Wilkie, director of fundraising and development at Magic Breakfast, the initiative aims to champion the power of breakfast to fuel children’s learning and boost their confidence.
How did Christine Ohuruogu describe the importance of breakfast for children?
As reported by the official statement from the Quaker and Magic Breakfast partnership, Ohuruogu said:
“As an athlete, I learned early on that how you start your day shapes everything that follows.”
She stressed that
“a good breakfast gives you the energy, focus and confidence to push through challenges – whether that’s training for the Olympics or getting ready for school.”
Ohuruogu also expressed her desire for every child to understand
“that small, healthy habits can lead to big dreams.”
What activities took place during the school visit?
During her visit, Christine Ohuruogu joined approximately 30 children at the school’s breakfast club. She participated in an interactive session designed to engage the children while promoting healthy eating habits. This hands-on involvement underscored the initiative’s message that breakfast plays a crucial role not just in physical wellbeing, but also in academic and personal success.
Who is behind the new schools breakfast initiative?
The schools initiative is a collaboration between Quaker Oats, renowned for its breakfast cereals, and Magic Breakfast, a charity dedicated to ensuring no child starts their school day hungry. This partnership is further supported by Team GB, leveraging the influence of British athletes to inspire young people. Emily Wilkie of Magic Breakfast highlighted the synergy between these organisations:
“By joining forces with Quaker alongside Team GB, we’re showing young people that fuelling your body is the key to unlocking success.”
What broader message does this initiative aim to send to schools and children?
The initiative advocates that a nutritious breakfast is foundational to achieving academic excellence and personal growth. The involvement of a high-profile athlete like Christine Ohuruogu aims to make the message more relatable and motivating for children. It sets a practical example that small but consistent healthy habits can build the confidence needed to overcome challenges in life, whether in sports or education.
