What if your PE teacher was an Olympic champion — well, for the students at the British International School Shanghai (BISS), that's their daily reality.

Marlon Devonish, who captured gold in the men's 4 x 100 meters relay at the 2004 Athens Olympics, now teaches physical education at BISS's Puxi campus.

But his work goes far beyond sprint drills — he's helping young people to build their resilience, confidence and adopt the mindset of a champion.

Devonish's athletic journey began almost by chance.

In 1994, a teacher encouraged him to join a local cross-country race in Coventry city in the United Kingdom. That moment launched a career that would see him compete in four Olympic Games and collect 18 medals across top-tier international competitions. He became one of Britain's most decorated sprinters, and he was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire medal, or an MBE, for his achievements.

After retiring in 2013, Devonish reinvented himself.

First, he worked as a speed coach for professional sports teams such as Queens Park Rangers and the Gloucester City Association. Then he moved into corporate coaching, helping executives to translate athletic focus into workplace performance.

Whether it's the track or the boardroom, communication and clarity are everything, he said.

Devonish first set foot in China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was instantly drawn to the country's modern skyline and its rich culture.

At the time, Shanghai was building itself into a global hub for top sporting events, and it was hosting an increasing number of elite competitions.

Devonish traveled to Shanghai multiple times for international track events like the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix and Diamond League, each visit deepening his connection to the city.

So, when the BISS offered him a teaching role, he accepted without hesitation.

With his wife and two young children, Devonish moved to Shanghai, a decision filled with excitement and opportunity.

At BISS, Devonish not only teaches students sports skills, but also serves as their life mentor.

In his eyes, physical education isn't just about teaching sports skills — it's about building resilience.

He also runs workshops where students take on coaching roles, learning to analyze matches and devise tactics to cultivate their strategic thinking capabilities.

He often shares personal stories with students.

One favorite comes from the 2009 Manchester City Games. Just before the 150m sprint, organizers changed the rules: All runners except 8-time Olympic gold sprinting champion Usain Bolt from Jamaica had to qualify through heats, with only 45 minutes of rest before the final.

Devonish considered dropping out because he believed the arrangement was "not fair".

But his agent urged him to see the bigger picture. Devonish ran, made the final and finished second behind Bolt, who set a personal best.

Sometimes one's opportunity won't look fair, he told his students. But you should still show up and give it your all.

Life in Shanghai has been a positive change. On weekends, Devonish takes his son to junior soccer, explores the city's diverse food scene and keeps up with fitness.

Shanghai is global, dynamic and family-friendly, he said. And there's not only world-class sport, such as Formula One and the ATP Masters, but also everyday fitness facilities like ping-pong tables in every neighborhood.

Asked if he misses the roar of the Olympic crowds, Devonish glances at the school field, where students are cheering on a match.

Helping students grow, watching them find their path — that's just as rewarding as standing on the podium, he said.

Source: WeChat account "shanghaitiyu"