Badminton: Jess impresses with success at UK School Games (From Gazette Series)

Jess Hopton wins gold and silver at UK School Games

8:30am Friday 30th September 2011 in Sport By Rob Iles

WINTERBOURNE International Academy pupil Jess Hopton has been selected to play badminton for England at under-17 level for the first time after impressing at the UK School Games.

The 14-year-old became the first person to represent the school at the multi-sport event and she won a gold medal for England in the girls doubles and silver in the singles.

Hopton has played for England at youth levels on many occasions before but will be stepping up an age group when she competes in a tournament in Lausanne, Switzerland, this weekend followed by the Danish Cup next month.

She said: “I am really looking forward to it and hoping to replicate my performance from the UK Games.”

Hopton triumphed in the doubles with Lynette Aung, beating Joshway Bong and Brodie Miller 24-22, 22-24, 21-14 in the final.

She only missed out on the singles title after losing to 14-21, 21-13, 21-14 to Natalie Chan-Lam in the final.

The UK School Games are designed to replicate major championships with an athletes village for over 1,600 athletes across 12 different sports with opening and closing ceremonies.

Hopton had English athletes from other sports cheering her on while she played and she said the experience was unlike any other she has known before.

“It was really nice to be part of a multi-sport event,” she said.

“It was good to see how good other sports were as well.

“The badminton courts were very professional and it was nice to see everyone from England supporting us.

“There was an athlete’s lounge so you could talk to people from other sports, which was fun and it was nice to be in the same place as everyone.

“I beat someone in the singles who I’ve never beaten before, so I was very happy.”

PE teacher Trish Lewis said the school was proud of Hopton’s achievements.

“She’s a good all-round sportswoman and she’s involved in everything at school,” added Lewis.

RIGHT: Jess Hopton with her medals GSR1058V11 To order this picture call 01453 544000 or visit gazetteseries.co.uk