HAYGROVE School swimmer Bethany Newton believes she is on track for a memorable season after roaring her way to a gold medal at the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games.

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

The Street Swimming Club member was in action on Saturday at the Manchester Aquatics Centre and won gold in the girls 200m freestyle, edging out England North’s Madeleine Crompton by just over a tenth of a second.

And after missing out on a medal last year, Newton admits that coming out on top at the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games was all the sweeter.

“It’s a really good feeling to win a gold medal – it’s only the start of the season as well, so to see that it’s all going so well is great,” said the 16-year-old.

“I was here last year but I didn’t do as well. It was a bit of a setback last year, so it’s nice to come back and win gold.

“I wasn’t really thinking of times heading into this weekend but I was hoping to win a medal. That was my aim but I certainly wasn’t expecting gold.

“The Sainsbury’s School Games are really good fun and it’s a brilliant experience. The atmosphere is crazy everywhere – we went to the athletics and the wheelchair basketball on Friday and it was a brilliant atmosphere.”

The Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, featured 12 different sports across four days.

Newton kicked off her season in style at the event although she is confident she can improve on her winning time of 2:06.50 as the year progresses.

And the teenager is aiming high in both the short-term and long-term.

“I’ve got short course nationals in December but my main aim for this year is that at the British Champs I want to qualify for the European Juniors,” added Newton.

“Every swimmer wants to make it to the Olympics, so I’d love to make it to an Olympic Games and a World Championship. I really want to be someone’s idol – I’d love 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 2015.

Visit www.2015schoolgames.com for more information.