The future’s bright: Will Halliwell, JJ Webb, Nathan Potter and Zachary Hamilton

Published: 11 September, 2014
by JONATHAN GREEN

YOUNG fencer Jonathan Webb admitted that winning gold in the men’s sabre was the perfect way to round off his career at the Sainsbury’s School Games. 

The 18-year-old, who sharpened his skills at Camden Fencing Club, was among more than 1,600 talented athletes from across the UK to descend on Manchester to compete in 12 sports, across four action-packed days last week. 

He turned out to be one of the stars of the games as he beat Will Halliwell in the men’s sabre final to claim the title, while also helping England to team gold.

Webb now has five gold medals from his three appearances at the School Games and believes his experiences will stand him in good stead for the future.

“I was definitely there to win it and fortunately I managed to do just that,” said Webb. “The team event was good fun like they always are.

“We had a strong team and we went out and dominated the field like I expected us to. It’s my third time competing at the School Games and I always enjoy them,” he added. Every time I come here it’s a great event and it’s great to have a nice crowd there for the support. It’s definitely one of the highlights of the year.” 

The games have helped to launch the careers of a host of British athletes, including heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, who were both on hand to watch the action unfold in Manchester. 

And Webb has got his sights firmly set on being one of the next School Games alumni to represent Great Britain and succeed on the biggest and best stages in the world.

“It was my last time at the games but I am looking forward with British Fencing. I’m on the world class programme at the moment which means UK Sport provides me with support. I am looking forward to the future and obviously the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are the main goal. But for now I am just taking each season as it comes, trying to stay injury free, as well as trying to make my name on the international stage as well as the domestic.” 

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 between September 4 and 7. 

For more information visit www.2014schoolgames.com.