Chessington gymnast Amelia Montague admitted she exceeded her expectations and then some after winning two gold medals on debut at the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games earlier this month, writes Jonathan Green.

The 13-year-old, who attends Epsom & Ewell High School, lit up the Phones 4u Arena in Manchester as she helped England to claim team gold before winning an individual title on the beam.

And Montague, who is a member of Tolworth Gymnastics Club, insists that her results have given her added motivation for her future ambitions after seeing how hard work can pay off at the Games.

“This was my first time at the School Games so to leave with two gold medals is just incredible,” she said.

“I love being on the podium and it was great to have the chance to compete on such a big stage.

“I got into an individual final before but this time I was working really hard to make sure I left with a medal, so I’m pleased I managed to do that. It means the world to me to have won two medals at the School Games – it’s a dream come true.

“At the beginning of the competition I was very nervous, but once we started warming up I felt better and after the first rotation on the beam I knew I could have a good competition and that we would do well as a team.

“The season has been going really well for me. I’ve been working really hard and the results at these Games have showed me that it was all worth it.”

Montague was joined at the Games in Manchester by Kingston wheelchair racer Dillon Labrooy, who himself claimed silver in the multi-classification 800m.

Labrooy, who is a member of Weir Archer Academy, clocked a time of 1:58.31 minutes but narrowly missed out on gold to European medallist Isaac Towers.

“I was pretty happy. I was expecting to win it, but because it works out on a points system it depends what you get,” he said.

“I’ve done the School Games the past two years but for wheelchair basketball. This year I did athletics and I’ve adapted to it quite quickly.

“Hopefully, the World Junior Championships are next for me and then hopefully the Paralympics – maybe I could make the 2020 team.”

* Walton Athletics Club’s Sophie Mace followed up last week’s England U17 Athletics Championships discus title winning performance with another show stopper in Manchester.

The 15-year-old was not at her best, but her throw of 43.03 metres was enough to secure gold at the 2014 Sainsbury’s School Games by more than three metres.

The Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, was held in venues across Manchester from 4-7 September 2014. Visit 2014schoolgames.com for more information