ONE of Britain’s most successful Olympians swapped oars for factory floors as he learned how to be a chocolate-making champion during a visit to York.

Sir Matthew Pinsent, whose career in rowing earned him four Olympic gold medals, was given a taste of how to make a KitKat at York’s Nestlé factory yesterday.

Sir Matthew is a mentor for Team Nestlé, an elite group of athletes including diver Tom Daley, rower Pete Reed, swimmer Fran Halsall and Paralympian Shelley Woods.

They are given financial backing by the confectionery firm and, in return, provide guidance and coaching for Nestlé employees and take part in its sporting initiatives.

Sir Matthew joined apprentices and graduates in the factory’s kitchens to learn the techniques required for making KitKats by hand.

He also lunched with the York-based Seasonal Team, which won the Nestlé Confectionery Innovation award, designed to encourage employees to develop ideas for boosting Nestle’s business.

“There are many parallels between sport and business – it’s about setting goals, motivating yourself, communication and performing well under pressure,” said Sir Matthew.

“I stopped rowing eight years ago, so life has been all about new challenges and learning new skills since then, and learning how to make a KitKat is one of them – it will be like getting a Boy Scout badge.”

Sir Matthew said he took on the mentoring role because of Nestle’s “long-term commitment and proven track record” in sport.

“Having the Games in Britain is very important, but so is the legacy they will leave for a whole generation.

“I’d like to think that by the time the Olympics are staged in 2024 or 2028 we will be seeing sportsmen and women coming forward who were inspired by this year.”

He said the Olympic Torch Relay – which has passed through York and North Yorkshire this week was “an amazing community event”.

“One of the criticisms of the Olympics is that they’re only for elite sportspeople, but the torch relay is a completely inclusive event which gives people a real connection to the Games, so its popularity is no surprise.”