STUDENTS had their spirits lifted with the visit of a heavyweight Olympic star this week.

Abbey Wood weightlifter Zoe Smith dropped dropped into the London Leisure College at the Eltham Centre to share her story.

The 17-year-old, named the first Greenwich Community College Champion, is already a Commonwealth bronze medallist and is hoping to top that this summer.

Head of sports, leisure and tourism John Stapleton explained: "We approached Zoe about becoming a champion for our students as she is a local athlete who we know our students will relate to and help them meet their aspirations."

Sports student Dieter Staples, 18, said afterwards: "Hearing Zoe’s story has inspired me and I am now going to focus on becoming a successful footballer."