Mapledoram was bursting with pride after landing a medal

Mapledoram, 17, who lives in Brighton, featured at the School Games National Finals and won silver in Hockey as part of the England national team.

Taking place between 3–6 September, the School Games National Finals is the UK’s biggest multi-sport event for young athletes and this year marked its 20th anniversary of being first held in Glasgow in 2006.

Over 1,000 athletes competed across 11 sports, including disability disciplines, during the sporting extravaganza held at Loughborough University, a venue which provided the young competitors’ first-class facilities, a safe competitive environment, and the experience of being part of a major sporting event.

Mapledoram said: “Everyone gave their all and we really showed up together, especially in the last match. It was really nice to come away with a really big win.

“It was good to learn about the ways different nations play and it would be useful for future competitions.

“The multisport environment was very welcoming, particularly in the opening ceremony, and it was great to meet athletes from various sports.”

The School Games National Finals has acted as a key milestone in the careers of many of the UK’s top athletes with the event’s alumni including four-time European gold medallist Amy Hunt, mile world record holder Josh Kerr, three-time Olympic champion Adam Ramsay-Peaty, Olympic bronze medallist Georgia Hunter Bell and the most decorated athlete in European Championship history, Dina Asher-Smith.

Two-time Paralympic bronze medallist Olivia Breen, who competed at the School Games National Finals in 2015, and 2026 Commonwealth Games 3x3 basketball champion Ashley Hamilton were in attendance as VIPs to cheer on the athletes and offer their experience and advice.

Hamilton said: “The School Games National Finals is a special event that brings a lot of different people together and gives a lot of athletes the exposure to this type of environment.

“I hope that everyone who is taking part cherishes the moment, enjoys it, and uses it to springboard their futures.”

Breen added: “I competed in the School Games National Finals 11 years ago, and it's great to be back here in a different capacity. It was a great experience for me in 2015 and I’m looking forward to seeing what all the athletes can do.”

The School Games National Finals is a biennial four-day multi-sport event for young athletes of school age. It is delivered by the Youth Sport Trust and National Governing Bodies, hosted by Loughborough University, and funded by Sport England and players of the National Lottery.