Calderstones School Invites 19-Year-Old Race Across the World Winners to Awards Evening
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 24
Calderstones School Invites 19-Year-Old Race Across the World Winners to Awards Evening
5 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 24
Calderstones School plans to invite Jo and Kush to present at its awards evening after the 19-year-olds won the BBC's 12,000km Race Across the World.
Head teacher Lee Ratcliffe said their victory has already reshaped school assemblies, with staff using the pair's courage, ambition and risk-taking as an example for current students.
The former pupils also drew praise for mutual support during the two-month trip, including Jo helping Kush through anxiety linked to his stepfather's death during the Covid lockdown.
Kush said in the reunion episode that counselling had helped him process his emotions, and that the race taught him it is OK to ask for help.
Their openness, Scouse identity and underdog win over older contestants have made them a lasting role model for the Liverpool school, which says it will use their story for years.
How will their journey redefine what strength and success mean for a generation of young men?
With a £20,000 prize, can these teens truly beat a housing market where the average first-time buyer is 34?
What forgotten skills did two teens use to outsmart adults in a 12,000km race without technology?