Chingford swimmer Ryan Nicholls couldn’t hide his delight after delivering upon his promise by defending his title at the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games in Manchester.

Nicholls 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 at the annual event.

Representing England East, Nicholls was undoubtedly one of the stars in the pool at the Manchester Aquatics Centre as he clocked a time of 1.07.09 to take gold once again in the 100m backstroke.

The former Redbridge SC flyer also won 100m freestyle gold and 200m medley silver and he wants to use his experiences from the Games when he competes at senior events in the future.

“I won gold at the School Games last year, so to come back and do the same again is fantastic,” said Nicholls, who has recently joined Enfield Swimming Squad.

“The aim coming in was to be a repeat champion and I knew I was going to get the gold medal before I came into this race, so to do it is fantastic.

“My time wasn’t that great but there’s room for improvement, which is ok. The experience of the Games was really good again.”

Nicholls was part of the England East team that came second overall.

“I really enjoy the Games, so it’s a shame I won’t be able to do them again next year,” Nicholls said. “I’ve made the most of it while I can.

“The glory of being at the Games is unbelievable – it makes me want to repeat that glory at bigger events.”

The School Games has helped to launch the careers of a host of British athletes, including heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, who were on hand to watch in Manchester.

And Nicholls, who attends Tottenham University Technical College, is now determined to try and break into the senior Great Britain team as he bids to match the achievements of School Games alumni like Johnson-Thompson and Simmonds.

“I feel fantastic at my new swimming club – I’m working harder than before and it’s really paying off,” he added.

“I’ve got to try and get to nationals next year – that’s my target. Also, I’m on the GB podium squad at the moment, so I’m looking to move myself up – I want to break into that full GB squad.”

Nicholls also had success at the National Paralympic Day in the Aquatics Centre, Stratford at the end of last month. He was ranked fifth entering the S14 open 100m backstroke and came second overall, just outside his personal best.

Nicholls was the youngest competitor in the race and his GB Paralympic team won the event overall, beating the other European teams.

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 September 4 to 7.

Visit www.2014schoolgames.com for more information.