Purves shines in Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games

EDINBURGH athlete Katie Purves is on track for future success after claiming a gold medal at the Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games.

Katie Purves: School Games success. Picture: Comp

The 17-year-old was crowned 300m hurdles champion at Sheffield’s Don Valley Stadium in a time of 42.66 seconds and is now bidding to reach the Commonwealth Games.

The Sainsbury’s School Games featured more than 1,600 athletes competing in 12 sports across eight venues, and is billed as a mini Olympic Games.

Purves said: “To win three British medals this year - all gold - has been brilliant and has given me lots of confidence.

Katie Purves: School Games success. Picture: Comp

“My determination brought me home around the bend for the win. I have never raced in front of a crowd that big and it was quite daunting at first.

“My big aim is Commonwealth Games next year. I have just started doing the 400m hurdles and in the rankings I am behind Eilidh Child, it is her, then me. I’ll train hard this winter, then hope for the best.”

The Sainsbury’s 2013 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, was held in venues across Sheffield from 12-15 September 2013. Visit www.2013schoolgames.com for more information.