Olympians honoured by former school

Three Olympians including Darian Townsend, the gold medalist, were today honoured with certificates of excellence by their former school for their accomplishments at the recent Olympic Games held in Athens.

Donovan Cech, part of the rowing team, Townsend member of the golden swimming team and Ian Evans, a member of the hockey team, also offered advice for the youngsters at the Pietermaritzburg College. The trio called on the youngsters to maintain discipline and keep on dreaming. Their advice to youngsters: these noble virtues will pave the way for them to be the stars they want to be.

The crush to get admission to elite schools like Pietermaritzburg College is growing fiercer. Achievements in the classroom and sports fields have created a new class of snob schools. Established in 1863, colours from Maritzburg College have since become a status symbol. Over the years it has excelled in various sporting codes.

It's from this college that the likes of Jonty Rhodes, the former test cricketer, Joel Stransky the former rugby player and now Townsend, Cech, and Steve Evans were groomed for their roles in international arenas. Evans the fourth Olympian from Maritzburg College is currently overseas.