Sir Steve Redgrave, the five-time Olympic Gold medal winner, was in Glasgow today to show his support for the city to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014, thrilling pupils at Shawlands Academy by delivering an inspirational speech about sport.

Speaking to a crowded hall of excited fifth and sixth years at Shawlands Academy, Sir Steve said: "I'm delighted to be in Glasgow - with less than two months to go before the city finds out if they are to host the Games it is vital that we keep up the momentum behind the Bid.

"The young people I've met today were so enthusiastic about the prospect of the Commonwealth Games coming to their city. Sport can make a huge difference to children and young people - if Scotland wins the right to host the Games it will inspire and shape a generation."

Around 150 pupils heard Sir Steve talk about his career in sport, as well as take part in a question and answer session.

Sixth year pupil Jennifer Connelly, 17, said: “It was great to have Sir Steve at the school – he was really inspiring about sport, as well as being very interesting to listen to about motivation and how he kept going.”

Fellow pupil Noelle Bengono, 17, added: “It was wonderful to hear him speak to all of us. He could have picked any school in Glasgow so it was great that he came here – I was quite nervous before he got here because I wanted to ask him a question! I’m very excited about the thought of the Commonwealth Games coming here.”

Sir Steve also met with delegates from around the Commonwealth who are in Glasgow to assess the city’s plans for 2014 at Hampden, Scotland's National Stadium, where track and field events would take place should the city win the Games.

Speaking to the delegates, Sir Steve said: “I have nothing but fond memories of competing in this part of the world. The Commonwealth Games rowing events were held at Strathclyde Park in 1986 and I remember being struck by the sheer passion of the Scottish crowd. It was hard not to be spurred on with so many people there to back you.”

He added: “Glasgow is, of course, a sporting city and I know that it would do a fantastic job of hosting the Games in 2014.  The city has many amazing venues but, for me, it is the friendliness of the people that set it apart.”

Pictures by Kieran Dodds