KATIE Lambert insists she has time yet to smash junior records after the Kidderminster hammer thrower clinched silver at the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games.

More than 1,600 talented school children descended on Manchester to compete in 12 sports across four action-packed days last week.

And 15-year-old Lambert was one of the brightest talents on show at the Manchester Regional Arena, with a best throw of 55.45m securing her the runners-up spot.

Despite stepping up second on the podium, Lambert wanted more – and admits she won’t stop next year until she breaks Great Britain’s under-17 record

“I’m not really very happy, my throw wasn’t very good,” said Lambert, a member of Kidderminster & Stourport Athletic Club.

“On another day I could have got gold and I just wanted a personal best, that was the main thing. A PB would have got gold.

“It’s my first multi-event competition and it’s like a home Games for us, so I enjoyed Manchester.

“I’ve got two more competitions left and then training for the off season, and I want to throw 60 metres and get the British record for under-17s.”

The Sainsbury’s School Games is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and is delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, helping to launch the careers of many British athletes, including Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds.

And Johnson-Thompson, who won long jump silver at the World Indoor Championships earlier this year, believes the Sainsbury’s School Games can be the perfect platform for Lambert.

“At the Sainsbury’s School Games you’re part of something bigger than one athletics competition,” she said. “It’s a multi-sport event and the athletes are in a village atmosphere and they get to be part of an opening ceremony as well which you never have in athletics.

“The School Games reminds me of the Olympics. You’re there because you are the best in your region and you want to do well in the competition. It’s a huge stepping stone and you learn and mature as an athlete.

“There are a few talents around and there will definitely be some people to look out for in the future.”

PLEASE LEAVE IN FINAL PAR – 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.

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