16/09/2026
256 skips in the Skip2Bfit two minute challenge!
Today I met the remarkable Sui, who has recently arrived from Japan and comfortably achieved the highest Skip2Bfit score in the entire school.
She could skip beautifully, perform doubles and move with a level of rhythm, balance, timing, coordination and footwork that immediately stood out.
Her proud mum explained that skipping had been a regular part of Sui’s school life in Japan. That experience showed today.
For 25 years, I have tried to persuade decision makers that skipping should be taken far more seriously in British education. It is not merely a playground game.
Skipping develops fitness, coordination, resilience, determination and the fundamental movement skills children need for virtually every sport. A counting rope also gives every child a starting score, a reason to persevere and measurable progress they can feel proud of.
I can walk into almost any boxing club and see children who can skip. Yet I regularly visit primary school playgrounds where very few children have ever been properly taught.
Sui showed us exactly what children can achieve when skipping is taught, practised and valued.
Every child should learn to skip. Every child should have a rope adjusted to their height. Every child should experience the confidence that comes from beating their own score.
Sui earned a Skip2Bfit FitPack for her outstanding achievement, and it was an absolute pleasure to present it to her.
Well done, Sui. You were exceptional and you made my day! 👏👏👏
Perhaps one day, the people shaping our curriculum will recognise what children are currently missing. Until then, I will keep banging the drum. 🥁
SchoolSport Resilience HealthyChildren PECurriculum TwoMinuteChallenge