FOLKESTONE’S rising throwing event star Vicky Silk has underlined her London 2012 Paralympic credentials by bagging gold at the UK School Games.

The 16-year-old Ashford Athletic Club member missed out on gold in the shot put by the narrowest of margins at the four-day multi-sport event in Coventry last year and had to settle for silver.

But Silk, who was presented with her medal by Olympics minister Tessa Jowell, saw off all competition in the ambulant discus to top the podium with a throw of 16.65 metres in Bath.

And the Pent Valley School pupil believes her UK School Games victory can catapult her to success when the Paralympics come to London in four years’ time.

“I’m delighted to have a gold medal,” she said. “Last year I got silver which was great but to go one better and get gold is an unbelievable feeling.

“I like to compete in all of the throwing events but I think the discus is my favourite so to win that makes me even more pleased.

“And to receive my medal from Tessa Jowell was the icing on the cake. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and the whole event has been fantastic.

“When you get recognition from someone as important as that it gives you a lot of satisfaction. It makes you feel that making the step up to Olympic level is within your grasp if you put in the work.

“It was great to see Team GB’s success in Beijing and hopefully the Paralympics will be just as successful, if not more so.”

Silk has been in untouchable form of late, and claimed a bronze medal at last year’s International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports World Championships in the javelin.

And Kent throwing ace insists the secret to her success has been her dedication to training as she bids to cement a spot in the Great Britain squad.

“I think the difference between this year and last year is that I’m more experienced and came out here with a lot more confidence,” she added.

“I’ve been working hard all season and I’ll continue to do that over the winter. Hopefully I’ll continue to progress even more next year and soon I’d love to be consistently representing my country.”

The Youth Sport Trust organises the UK School Games to help transform sport for young people and create volunteering opportunities at major events. The Legacy Trust UK supports cultural and sporting activities that celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to leave a lasting legacy and is a funding partner for the Games.

This report from UK Sport