Athletic Development

‘If you have a body, you are an athlete’.

Athletic development is more than stepping into the gym and lifting weights. It supplements learning in the classroom and strives individuals to better themselves through exercise and challenge. Athletic development can be defined as physical preparation that grows and nurtures individuals to understand their bodies in a way which enhances their sporting performance. The programme helps pupils better their strength and robustness for sport and contributes to positive physical well being in their day to day school lives. Here at Marlborough I firmly believe that our Athletic Development programme helps pupils to also gain knowledge and practice factors that crucially impact well-being, quality of life and success in and away from sport also. Athletic Development goes beyond the classroom and is completely open to anyone in the community.

We have an unrivalled, world-class gym facility at school, appropriately named after OM Alfred Hamersley, who played in the first ever England Rugby international side later going on to captain the team. He was also pivotal in introducing the sport to the South Island of New Zealand. With 4 weightlifting platforms with full squat racks, free weights, rig and cardio equipment from WattBikes to Concept2 rowers, the facility covers every athlete’s needs.

The Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” is Latin for “faster, higher, stronger”. These sessions form part of the MCM Athletic Development Programme, with a focus on functional strength. Whether you aim to run faster, jump higher or become stronger for sport or general health these sessions will be sure to facilitate your training goals.