Duchess Kate sprints and has a judo lesson at SportsAid event in London

February 26, 2020

<strong><a href=/tags/0/kate-middleton>Duchess Kate</a></strong> stepped out on Feb. 26 to visit the London Stadium in Stratford, East London, and she showed off some of her athletic skills in the process! The sporty Duchess of Cambridge attended an event with SportsAid, to help highlight the role parents and guardians play in their children's sporting successes.
<p>While there, Kate ran the track with Olympic heptathlete <Strong>Jessica Ennis-Hill</strong>, who took gold in the heptathlon in London in 2012, and <strong>Emmanuel Oyimbo-Coker</strong>, an 18-year-old student and promising up-and-coming athlete. The mom of three also saw a judo demonstration, learned some martial arts herself – she apparently throws a "mean punch," according to her instructor! – and gave a speech about the importance of sports in children's lives.
<p><strong>Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from Kate's day!</strong>
<p>Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Duchess Kate stepped out on Feb. 26 to visit the London Stadium in Stratford, East London, and she showed off some of her athletic skills in the process! The sporty Duchess of Cambridge attended an event with SportsAid, to help highlight the role parents and guardians play in their children's sporting successes.

While there, Kate ran the track with Olympic heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, who took gold in the heptathlon in London in 2012, and Emmanuel Oyimbo-Coker, an 18-year-old student and promising up-and-coming athlete. The mom of three also saw a judo demonstration, learned some martial arts herself – she apparently throws a "mean punch," according to her instructor! – and gave a speech about the importance of sports in children's lives.

Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from Kate's day!

Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Inside, Kate removed her blazer and ran a quick spring with <strong>Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker</strong>, an 18-year-old up-and-coming promising athlete, and British heptathlete <strong>Jessica Ennis-Hill</strong>, who won gold in London in 2012.
<p>Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate, who was very sporty while growing up, looked like she really enjoyed herself!
<p>Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

She shared a good laugh with Jessica, too!
<p>Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate also got the chance to see a judo demonstration and learn about how the martial art is helping children's lives.
<p>Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

She was also taught some judo moves herself, and according to the <i><a href=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2020/02/26/kate-packs-a-punch-as-she-meets-young-athletes/>Express and Star</i></a>, she throws a "mean punch"!
<p>Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate posed for a group photo with some of the SportsAid staff and young athletes who use the organization's services.
<p>Photo: © Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

She also gave a speech while there, praising the organization, of which she's been a patron since 2013.

"For all of you here, you go, and have gone, beyond the call of duty; you've committed your time and devotion to nurturing your children's exceptional talents," she said, according to HELLO! UK. "And as a parent, I have a huge admiration for you and I know just how complex and time-consuming your role is.

"You are simultaneously the transport and logistics managers, nutritionists, laundry service, psychologists, financiers and, crucially, the ones that provide love, support and encouragement when things are tough.

"You may not always feel appreciated, or sometimes even noticed on the sidelines, in the car park or sitting high in the stands. But I am so proud that SportsAid recognizes how key your role is and that they understand the challenges and worries you face."