Arul Suppiah
Age: 30
Sporting achievement: Ex-professional cricketer for Somerset County Cricket Club. World record holder for the best Twenty20 bowling figures of six wickets for five runs
Attended Millfield: 1996-2001
How important was school in furthering your sporting career? Extremely important as it was a base to nurture my cricketing talents. We played against county academies, county age groups and club sides. This definitely tested our skills and made the transition to cricket clubs and counties easier. The reputation of the school played a vital role in obtaining the best cricket clubs and counties out there after education.
Which teacher/coach inspired you most at Millfield? Mark Davis, former Somerset pro. Mark brought fun to cricket and he was very good at motivating players. He taught me the mental side of cricket more than anything. We had a six-ball challenge each year. All I had to do was survive six deliveries from Mark – something which I never achieved!
Mark Foster
Age: 43
Sporting achievement: World Champion, world record holder, Olympian swimmer
Attended Millfield: 1983-1986
How important was school in furthering your sporting career? Attending Millfield had a huge impact on my career, both academically and sporting. I surrounded myself with people better than me and learnt from them.
Which teacher/coach inspired you most at Millfield? Paddy Garrett – swimming coach. He led by example. He was never late and always professional.
Pamela Cookey
Age: 29
Sporting achievement: England netball captain
Attended Millfield: 2001-2003 (sixth form)
How important was school in furthering your sporting career? Very important as Millfield had a very sporting background and philosophy which I became part of, with access to great facilities and athletes from around the world. The coaches had a genuine interest in you as well as sport. It was a chance to combine both sport and academics at a high level.
Which teacher/coach inspired you most at Millfield? Mrs Woods. Such a passion for netball and success!
Peter Wilson
Age: 27
Sporting achievement: London Olympic gold – shooting
Attended Millfield: 2000-2005
How important was school in furthering your sporting career? Millfield was one of the few schools at the time that offered a form of competitive shooting to all its pupils. I was able to train weekly and on occasions twice weekly with my coach, Don Banks. Millfield taught me to win.
Which teacher/coach inspired you most at Millfield? My old English teacher. I’m pretty certain she hated me. It didn’t seem to matter – I thought she was fantastic! Sadly I can no longer remember her name.
Sarah Winckless
Age: 40
Sporting achievement: Olympic and World Championship rower
Attended Millfield: 1990-1992
How important was school in furthering your sporting career? While I was concentrating on sports other than rowing at Millfield, the school gave me the ability to become both a better sportswoman and juggle my A-levels which resulted in my gaining a place at Cambridge. I was able to play netball, basketball and really hone my ‘gross athleticism’ which put me in such a good position when I chose to specialise in rowing. I loved the pride invoked in representing the school and benefitted from excellent coaching. I also, made lifelong friendships on the sporting fields.
Which teacher/coach inspired you most at Millfield? Sue Woods – her energy, enthusiasm and expertise were infectious, and her support on both my best and worst days invaluable.
