Carlin, who left Gleniffer High School nine years ago, met pupils from across the school, posing for pictures with his medals, before giving an inspirational assembly.
From there he headed for the fitness suite, where children from across the year groups were put through their paces by Scottish Cycling’s coaching team in a bid to unearth hidden sprint potential, with those showing the most potential being invited to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome for a trial on the 23rd November.
Before then though, Carlin will head to the Scottish Cycling Awards on Saturday 16th November, where he is nominated for Male Rider of the Year following his success in Paris. The Paisley man recovered from a broken ankle to win silver in the Team Sprint alongside his Great Britain teammates, before adding bronze in the Individual Sprint after a nail-biting contest.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of a year”, Carlin explained.
“To be nominated for Male Rider of the Year is a privilege – I’m up against some strong riders in Fin (Graham) and Oscar (Onley) who have both had exceptional years in their own rights, and there’s people who haven’t even been nominated, such as Charlie (Aldridge) who have had an amazing year – it just shows the level Scottish Cycling is at.
“I had some misfortune at the start of the year with a broken ankle, but then a high with the Olympics. My emotions were a lot higher than I thought they were going to be in Paris – I had my friends and family out there supporting me, which I didn’t get in Tokyo. There was some exhilarating racing, as everyone was out there to get a medal, and luckily I came away with two.”
On returning to his alma mater, Carlin added:
“It was weird walking in the front doors again! I left nine or ten years ago, but there are still familiar faces. But we’ve come here today to give opportunities for people like myself, who came through Gleniffer High, to build a cycling career.
“To have the reception I’ve had coming back is really special.”