By Pippa Field

Bexley fencer Laura Gladdish insists she is full of confidence after walking away from the Sainsbury’s School Games with two medals to show for her efforts.

Gladdish joined 1,600 other competitors in Manchester over the weekend for the UK’s largest multi-sport event for elite level, school-age athletes.

And the Beths Grammar School pupil kicked things off in style, claiming individual girls’ silver in the sabre after losing to Scotland’s Jessica Corby in the final.

But Gladdish wasn’t done there, returning to action on Sunday to exact revenge and propel England to the team sabre title ahead of the Scots.

“It’s really exciting to win silver and gold at the School Games,” Gladdish said.

“It’s always great to win as part of a team.

“The final was a good fight, it was very tight but we managed to pull through in the end and it’s great to share that success with your teammates.

“It’s a different feeling to win you win individually.

“We had a good fight in the round before so that gave us plenty of confidence.

“I’ve really enjoyed being at the School Games, the atmosphere has been really good and there were lots of people cheering for us. Everyone has been really supportive.

“Doing well here has given me confidence going forward and hopefully I can continue to pick up medals.”

The Sainsbury’s School Games is the UK’s largest multi-sport event for elite level, school-age athletes and is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.

And Gladdish was joined in climbing the top step of the podium by Blackheath & Bromley Harrier Yasmin Austridge winning the 1,500m steeplechase gold in 5m07.65s.

“It wasn’t a great time for me but I’m happy and pleased with the win,” said 14-year-old Austridge.

“I’ve been really surprised at how well I’ve been doing this season. I’m looking forward to cross country now but then back to steeplechase training because I really enjoy it"

The Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games is supported by a range of partners including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England, Youth Sport Trust, Department of Health and British Paralympic Association.

The Games were held in venues across Manchester from 3-6 September.

Visit 2015schoolgames.com for more information.