Olympian Alumna

A former South Hampstead pupil, competing in the ice dance at the Winter Olympics in Milan, was selected as Team GB’s flagbearer.

Lilah Fear, who left South Hampstead in 2017, carried the flag at the opening ceremony – the first British ice dancer to do so since Christopher Dean in1984. In the run up to the games, 26-year-old Lilah and her partner Lewis Gibson, who choreographed one dance to a Spice Girls’ medley, received messages of support from Mel B and Mel C.  The pair came fourth in the first rhythm dance section before placing seventh overall following the free dance element.

Clearly disappointed not to reach the podium, Lilah spoke of the effort required to bounce back after stumbling early in their second routine. “I really wanted to not let the Olympic experience just disappear because of that, so it’s this battle of taking it in and doing my best the rest of the way.”  When asked what she would say to her younger self, she replied: “I think my eight-year-old self would be really proud of me. I wanted to come out here and enjoy the Olympic experience.” 

BBC commentator, Emma Smith, added: “A lovelier sportsperson you could not hope to meet. Bubbly, friendly, extremely talented. She will be back.” 

Lilah joined South Hampstead in Year 7.  A formidable all-round athlete, Lilah was also a Music Scholar and Deputy Head Girl in the Sixth Form, where she was awarded top grades at A Level in French, Maths, Psychology and Spanish before securing a place to study Psychology at McGill in Canada. Lilah also represented the school in netball and cross country. A typically enthusiastic South Hampstead pupil, her teachers recall someone with a positive outlook who was eager to embrace all the opportunities on offer. Her French and Psychology Teachers, Mrs Hugh and Ms Waghorn, praised her dedication and hard work: “She excelled academically and showed admirable resilience, commitment and organisational skills, despite her busy training schedule… Talented, courteous and congenial, Lilah was a delightful student. ”

Her former PE Teacher, Mrs Cooke, added: “Lilah was always very enthusiastic, very determined and an absolute joy to teach. Seeing her perform on the global stage this week has been remarkable. Although this won’t be the result she wanted, I am so proud of the optimism and resilience she’s shown. She’s a fantastic role model for our girls, who have really enjoyed watching her compete and cheering her on.”