YOUNGSTERS from Worcester were among the medals at the School Games national finals which took place at Loughborough University.
Mia Matthewson, Georgina Thorp, Madeleine Mcleod and Emily Seymour-Perry were part of the Severn Stars netball squad which won gold while Danielle Hopkins hop, skipped and jumped her way to silver in the triple jump in just her second competition of the year.
The netball team emerged triumphant on Sunday with a 32-20 triumph over the Mavericks after a tense first half. Just three points separated the sides at the interval.
“I was in shock as it didn’t feel real, but to have this trophy and our medals, I’ve realised we’ve actually won’” said Madeleine. “I think it’s been amazing just to be here at the School Games and playing against others from around the country.”
Mia added: “I think we were determined throughout, because we wanted to prove to everyone Severn Stars is a big club. I think as we went on through the different matches we got stronger.”
Speaking after her success in the triple jump, Danielle said she was delighted with her performance. After being called up as a late replacement, she jumped a personal best of 11.28 metres to seal silver.
“I bettered my old personal best with every jump so it was probably the ideal competition!” she said. “I’m a high jumper and multi-eventer normally but I do a bit of everything. Most of my training revolves around the multi-events but I just slot in anything else where I can.
“I look up to people like Jess Ennis as my best event is the high jump. The experience here is amazing – I came last year as well – I love it.”
Now in its 13th year, the event – featuring more than 1,000 school-age athletes – brings together the most talented schoolchildren from across the UK compete in 11 different sports.
Some of Britain’s biggest sporting stars have previously competed at the School Games before going onto international success, including Ellie Simmons, Jonnie Peacock, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Adam Peaty.
The Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and the home country sports councils and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, was established in 2006 after London won the bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.