Lane setting his sights on four gold medals at School Games

Posted: Wednesday 2nd May 2012 | 10:20

UP-AND-COMING badminton player Ben Lane admits he is on the hunt for more gold at next week's Sainsbury's School Games after winning four medals last time out in September.

The 14-year-old, who won gold, two silvers and a bronze in Sheffield, is looking to go a step further at the ExCeL and win the boy's singles and doubles titles and the mixed doubles and team crowns.

Lane, whose older brother Alex is the current European under-17 champion, insists the experience of performing at an Olympic venue almost two months before the Games start will stand him in good stead.

Having travelled around the world with his brother and wielded a racket for his country since the age of 12, Lane admits he has learnt how to channel the nerves ahead of the big tournaments.

"Aside from the Youth Olympics, it's one of the closest events to a major international competition for young athletes, so it's great experience," said Lane.

"I'm really proud to be picked again, I went last year and it's one of the best events I have played in, with the opening ceremony and everything you get a real feel for what it's like to compete in big competitions.

"Last year I won just one gold, so this year I'd like to win a couple more golds and I think I can. It is one of the biggest competitions I've ever taken part in.

"It's up there with the European Under-17 Championships in Portugal last year where I got to the quarter-final of the doubles, but this will be as big.

"To compete in the Olympic venue will be special, and with it being just a couple of months or so before the Olympics actually start it should be great."

After claiming the National Under-15 Championship title in March, Lane's early-season form certainly indicates he is on course for further success.

And with a possible Six Nations in France to follow after the Sainsbury's School Games, Lane is gearing himself for a big summer.

He added: "My form has been great recently, I've been playing really well. My overall aim for this season is to win a medal in most of the big tournaments I play in.

"I'm getting used to representing my country now, I'm just looking forward to it and hopefully adding to my success so far."

The Sainsbury's 2012 School Games is being held in the Olympic Park and other venues from 6-9 May 2012 with school-aged elite athletes competing across 12 sports. Visit www.2012schoolgames.com for more information.