St Albans' newest golden girl Amy Platten insists she is well on her way to the top of the judo world after triumphing at the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games.

The 13-year-old, who attends St Albans Girls’ School, beat Scotland’s Erin Peden in the final of the -44kg category at the Amaechi Centre in Manchester to claim gold.

Platten is very much just beginning her judo journey but is adamant the experience of competing at an event as prestigious as the School Games is a huge step.

“This was quite a big event for me – it was my first multi-sport competition,” said Platten. “To win gold first time is really amazing.

“I just focused on doing my own judo and then I won the final by an arm lock, which I’ve been working on, so I was really pleased.

“It was a great experience – the fact that it’s not just a small competition but there are athletes from other sports is amazing.

“I’ve never done anything like it – it’s great to get gold from it. I’ve learned how to deal with pressure – and how to deal with my nerves.

“I’ll continue with my judo and hopefully make it to even bigger competitions in the future – I’ll carry on going and I hope I can get a few more golds and be successful.”

In addition to Platten’s success, 18-year-old St Albans sprinter Kyle Powell won bronze in the boys ambulant 200m on the track at the Manchester Regional Arena.

The Games were especially poignant for Powell as he returned to the arena of his British debut and the Oaklands College pupil believes the event is a fantastic breeding ground for elite talent.

“I enjoyed the Games and Manchester is special for me because this is where I got my first GB vest in that very stadium,” he said.

“The Games showcase the next generation of GB athletes either able bodied or not. There could be ten of the next superstars at the Games.”

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 www.2014schoolgames.com for more information.